Connie Evelyn Gilbert

Connie Evelyn Gilbert, age 69, lifelong resident of the Joplin area, passed from this life on Friday, November 4, 2022, following a nearly 4-year courageous battle with cancer. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom, and nana, who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Connie was born on February 5, 1953, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, daughter of the late Herbert Nile Cobb and Billie Jean Street Cobb. She was one of nine children. In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by siblings Larry Cobb, Russell Cobb, and Joyce Morris. She is survived by siblings Marsha Capp of Asbury, Debbie Coats and husband Lennie of Joplin, Steve Cobb and wife Vickie of Joplin, Jeff Cobb and wife Sally of Asbury, and Bryan Cobb of Joplin.

Connie attended Carl Junction High School. It was during this time that she began working as a car hop at Triple AAA Root Beer and encountered a handsome fellow by the name of Tim who quickly became a recurring customer, ordering root beer floats and strawberry malts from her on the regular. This young man would eventually become the love of her life. Connie later worked at American Wafer and The Butcher’s Block, both of which she looked back on fondly due to the friendships formed during that time. She eventually began her career with Lafayette House where she worked for 20+ years before retiring in 2019.

Connie was united in marriage to Timothy Howard Gilbert on May 1, 1970, in Joplin. He preceded her in death in 2017. To this union were born two beautiful daughters, Tamera “Tammy” Gilbert of Joplin, and Teresa Forest and husband Kevin of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Trey Forest, Ava Forest, and Eden Gilbert. She is also survived by several extended family and friends.

Connie was the epitome of what a wife, mother, and nana should be. She loved fiercely and unconditionally. She doted on her children and especially her grandchildren. Connie thoroughly enjoyed cooking and was known for serving the best meals. To be seated at her dinner table was a real treat. She enjoyed several activities with family and friends, including game nights and Nascar parties with her Lafayette House crew, as well as bingo nights with her sisters. Connie will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Pastor Howie Nunnelly officiating.  Interment will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette House in memory of Connie and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

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