Cora Gilbert-Lee

On Tuesday, December 28, 1948, a set of twins (boy and girl) were born to Sammie Lee "S.L." and Maggie Gilbert. They named them Cora Lee and Otis Lee. Cora attended Marion Anderson Schools in Madisonville, Texas and made her entrance into glory on January 21, 2025, at the age of 76.

Cora was a strong woman of faith which grew steadily after accepting Christ at an early age. Cora worked many years as a childcare provider. Some of Cora’s passions included fishing and spending time with her family. Cora was a faithful member of Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church. 

Cora was preceded in death by both her parents, S.L. and Maggie Gilbert; brothers, Judge, Lloyd, Lucious, Johnny and twin brother, Otis; sister, Katherine Dickey; first husband, Bobby Whaley, Sr; grandson, Dexter Whaley; great-granddaughter, Sha’Tajah Lotts; brother-in-law, Walter Dotson; and special great-nephew who called her grandma, Austin Mason, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Dora Dotson of Houston Texas; sons, Gene Gilbert, Sr. (Darlene) of Ennis, Texas and Bobby Whaley (Ashley) of Bryan, Texas; daughters, Mary Betts, Twanda Whaley, and Annie Whaley of Madisonville Texas; great-grandson that she was raising, Dedrick Whaley, Jr.; fifteen grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews who called her grandma, Nikia Robinson, Ja’Corey Gilbert, Tyrone Coleman, Brandon Gilbert, and La’Quesas McCarty; a host of nieces, nephews and friends; and brother-in-law, Rev. William Dickey.

A memorial service honoring Cora Lee, officiated by Pastor Dr. Charleton Greene, is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1 P.M. and will be held at the Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church in Madisonville, Texas. 

Final arrangements for Cora Gilbert-Lee are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.