Hilda LaVern Gilbert, known affectionately as LaVern, was born on January 7, 1943, in Orange, Texas. She passed away peacefully in her hometown on November 12, 2025.
LaVern was known for her warm personality, and her faith and family were a cornerstone of her life. Always loving her grandkids, she found great joy in watching them play sports. LaVern never met a stranger, and her family will fondly remember how she knew someone everywhere she went and how she always made time every week to visit the beauty salon. A proud graduate of Stark High School, Class of 1961, LaVern cherished her time spent in education and never ceased to encourage others to pursue their own paths. LaVern was a dedicated and beloved teacher's aide at Little Cypress Elementary School, where she had a positive impact on the lives of many children throughout her career. Through her commitment to her family, education, and as a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church of Deweyville, she was able to shape the community around her in profound ways.
LaVern is survived by her loving family: her sons, John M. Gilbert and wife Stephanie, and Stephen Blaine Gilbert and wife Stefanie; her grandson, Taylor Gilbert and wife Madison; her granddaughters, Jacie Hoke and husband Lane, and Jadyn Spell and husband Amos; and her great-grandchildren, Jaxon Gilbert, Adley Hoke, and Grady Hoke. LaVern also leaves behind her brothers, Victor Blum and Earl Blum, and sister, Ester Jackson, along with many nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
LaVern was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Helen Blum, her son, Theron Matthew Gilbert, and her sister, Florence Berry, as well as her brother-in-law, Bobby Jackson.
The visitation for LaVern will be held on November 17, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Funeral services will follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 AM, with burial at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Serving as Pallbearers will be John Gilbert, Stephen Gilbert, Taylor Gilbert, Robert Cole, Jodie Caraway, and Mark Hardy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Dominguez, Roy Dominguez, Paul Burch, Mike Silva, Shaw Silva, and Chris Buechner.
LaVern’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Focused Care and Altus Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to her.
LaVern Gilbert will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those she touched throughout her life.