Rev. Dr. Cletus J Gilbert

Cletus J. Gilbert

1935-2021

Chesnee, SC - Reverend Doctor Cletus J. Gilbert of Chesnee, SC went home to be with His Lord and Savior on October 5, 2021. Born in Rutherfordton County, North Carolina on June 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Jubilee Gilbert and the late Clemmie Jolley Yelton. He was married to and predeceased by the love of his life, Shirley W. Gilbert, for 63 plus years.

Cletus was proud to be a Veteran who served as a United States Airforce Air Man, First Class during the Korean War. He was active in the Army Reserves for six years where he served as an assistant chaplain.

A1C Cletus J. Gilbert
601st AC&W
Rothwestern AFB
Kassel, Germany 1954-1957

Reverend Gilbert attended Wofford University, was a graduate of North Greenville College, earned a bachelor’s degree from Furman University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Wake Forest Southeastern Seminary, and two Honorary Doctoral of Divinity Degrees from Capelania Federal Internal Seminary in Brazil. Dr. Gilbert served as pastor, teacher, and missionary to many people. His pastoral services included Canaan Baptist Church in Roebuck, SC, Perry’s Chapel Baptist Church in Franklinton, NC, Friendship Baptist Church in Pauline, SC, Saranac Lake Baptist Church in Upstate New York, Tupper Lake Mission in Upstate, New York, and traveled on twenty mission trips to Rio de Janeiro for three months each year where he ministered to the people of Brazil and taught seminary in Capelania Federal Internal Seminary. Upon retiring, Mr. Gilbert returned to his home church where he was a member and former Sunday School teacher of Sandy Springs Baptist Church in Rutherfordton, NC.

Survivors include his son, Michael Gilbert (Gwen), his daughter, Anita Williams (David), his son-in-law Darryl Morgan (Arlene), grandchildren, David Gilbert (Courtney), Kelly Williams (Garrett), Brandy Hawkins (Chris), Brandon Kline, Craig Williams (Stacie), Jordan Williams (Casey), Matthew Allen, Tyler Allen (Breanna), Morgan Morgan, & Kelsey Morgan, and many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Rhonda Morgan, and her daughter, Brittany Allen.
Siblings include Herman Gilbert (late Betty Jo), Jeanette Newton (late Alfred), Donald Yelton (Barbara), Hoyt Yelton (Margaret), late Alvin Yelton (late Carolyn), late Betty Jolley (Rob), and Brenda Ramsey (Paul).

Chaplain Dean Cortez and Pastor Terrell Dillingham will officiate a Graveside Service at Springhill Memorial Gardens, Friday October 8, 2021 at 1:30 with full military honors. Covid guidelines apply.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Southern Baptist Convention, Veteran’s Last Patrol at https://secure.anedot.com/veteran/donate, or a local church of your choice.

Due to covid, the family will be in their respective homes.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.harrisnadeaumortuary.com

Harris-Nadeau Mortuary
Chesnee, SC.