Annabelle K. Hilbert

Annabelle K. Hilbert, age 91, died peacefully at her home in Gulfport on the morning of November 15, 2009. Mrs. Hilbert was born May 1, 1918 in Philadelphia. PA. She graduated from Olney High School in 1935 and from Temple University in 1939. After teaching high school in Clayton, NJ for three years, she married the love of her life, Clay Hilbert, in 1942, after a seven year courtship. They made their home in Abington, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia until 1955. For the next eighteen years, they moved eight times until settling on the Mississippi Gulf coast in 1973. She worked with her husabnd, Clay, in their business, The Midas Muffler and Brake Shops, until they retired and sold the business in the late 1980's. Everywhere they lived, Annabelle was very active in the community. She loved her life as a wife and mother. On the Coast she was a dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She had been active in the Quota Club, Sunkist Country Club Ladies Golf Assn., Great Southern Golf Club Ladies Golf Assn., and several bridge groups, often serving as president. She and her husband, Clay, loved to travel, cruise, play golf and bridge, dance and to entertain family and friends. She will be remembered by many for her Christmas Cookie Exchange. She was happily involved with several good friends in the "Naughty Nine" group. Annabelle was a truly loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was everything to her. Mrs. Hilbert was preceded in death by her husband, M.C. (Clay) Hilbert; parents, Theodore and Annabelle Knapp; grandson, Kevin Smith; and granddaughter, Tracey Eaker. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Brewer and husband, Bob of Biloxi; her son, C. Lee Hilbert and wife, Richie of Richmond, VA; three grandchildren, Heather Eaker, Emily DuBose, Clay Hilbert; one step-granddaughter, Kristen Giles; nine great-grandchildren, Sage Mellen, Madison Longstaff, Millie DuBose, Sarah DuBose, Claire DuBose, Cleighton Hilbert, Janie Hilbert, Wright Hilbert, Luke Hilbert; one step-great-grandson, Benjamin Giles; sister, Ruth Nicholson of Sarasota, FL; and nephew, Geoff Nicholson. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks, deep appreciation, and love to Annabelle's dedicated and loving caregivers, Tammy Stewart, Joyce Bowser, Keria Jefferson and Joy Hammond and many thanks also to Hospice of Light and R.N. Connie Cupples. The memorial service will he held Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Gulfport where friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. to service time. There will also be a gathering of family and friends after the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, MS Chapter, 1907 Dunbarton Drive, Ste C, Jackson, MS 39216. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com