Mr. Percy Leon Gilbert

Percy Leon Gilbert was born March 3, 1954 in Benevolence, GA (Randolph County) to the late Percy B. and Bessie Mae Gilbert. Leon was the 3rd of 8 children and was named after his father Percy but was known and loved as Leon. He completed his elementary/high school years in the Randolph County School System and was a very smart student. It was apparent great things were in store for this young man. Leon received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Valdosta State University in 1977. As a student at Valdosta State University, Leon was an active member of the Black Student League, whose purpose was to enrich the lives of minorities attending the university. Upon graduation, he began his career as an educator in the Randolph County School System and later moved to Atlanta, GA to pursue a career with Southern Bell (BellSouth, AT&T). He started in the accounting department May 22, 1978, spent several years providing excellent customer service as a Customer Service Representative and retired as a Multimedia Technician in March 2016. Leon dedicated over 37 ½ years of service to the telecommunications company now called AT&T. He has always been known as the “Go to Person” with co-workers, managers, family and friends because of his vast knowledge on many subjects. In 1987, while employed at BellSouth, Leon met the love of his life, Monica Kay Mills. They were married May 21, 1988 and have been inseparable ever since. Leon and Monica have enjoyed special times traveling abroad, attending “Smooth Jazz” concerts, plays and living life. Leon was Monica’s Prince Charming, and he treated her like royalty. She will never forget her best friend and confidant. Leon completed Monica and he will forever be the love of her life. The time spent with his two beautiful granddaughters was priceless. The granddaughters affectionately called him Grand’D because he was “Grand and Special” in their eyes. He loved them with all his heart. There was not a dance recital, band concert or play that Leon did not attend. It was all about supporting and encouraging his granddaughters, nephews, nieces, cousins in their endeavors. In earlier years, he coached his son’s (Anthony, “Tony”) basketball and baseball teams. As a coach, Leon was a role model who provided instruction and life lessons that would prepare any young man for the future. Leon was proud of Tony’s achievements and always encouraged him to aspire for greatness. Tony was a bright star in his Dad’s eye and that will never change. Leon loved his family and spending time with them was paramount. Every 2 years since 2008, his siblings/family have enjoyed reunions at various beach towns on the east coast. We always had a wonderful time and anticipated what would be the destination in the next 2 years. At the time prior to his passing, Leon was the co-chair person making plans for the Baldwin Family (maternal) reunion scheduled for later this year in Atlanta, GA. Our joined families (Leon/Monica’s) “loved” him so very much and will truly miss him. Leon was very dedicated to the beautification of his residential subdivision and community. He was often seen policing the Panola/Rocks Springs Roads areas for debris. It was his passion to keep the place we call home looking its very best. He served as treasurer extraordinaire of the Christian Springs Homeowners’ Association (CSHOA) for many years. Leon and Monica, who is the president of the CSHOA, worked as a team to preserve the tranquility and sanctity we currently experience in the Christian Springs community. He was also a part of the newly formed Code Enforcement/Public Safety Committee, Stonecrest, GA, District 3 represented by Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble. Leon was an avid, diehard and loyal Atlanta Falcons (Rise-Up) and (Go)Hawks fan. No one could speak ill of the home teams, no matter how terrible their standings were in the National Football League (NFL) or National Basketball Association (NBA). As we all know, Leon was a stylish, impeccable, debonair dresser and was always color coordinated. Dressing was a science for Leon and Dillard’s Department Stores was the ideal shopping destination for this “sharp, well dressed man.” His beautiful smile, impeccable personality, smoothness and wit complimented any outfit that adorned his body. Oh, and don’t forget the caps/hats!!!!!!!!!!! At an early age, he dedicated his life to Christ and joined Benevolence Baptist Church. He later attended Saint Philip AME Church for over 30 years and became a member in 2010. Leon leaves to cherish his memory his “lovely wife “of 29 ½ years, Monica Mills Gilbert, 1 son, Anthony Leon Gilbert of Columbus, GA; 2 granddaughters, Camryn Noel Gilbert of Lawrenceville, GA; Alayna Madison Gilbert of Columbus, GA; 4 brothers Carl (Diane) Gilbert of Rochester, NY; Milton (Michelle) Gilbert of Colorado Springs, CO; Terry (Kiki) Gilbert of Atlanta GA; Norman Gilbert of Atlanta GA; 3 sisters Brenda (Richard) Lee of Cuthbert, GA; Theretha “Ree” (Corey) Gilbert of Massapequa, NY; Veronica Gilbert Riggins of Warner Robbins, GA; one sister- in-law Roxie (Dwayne) Wilkins of Winston Salem, NC; 2 brother-in-laws, Claude Reaves of Greensboro, NC; Leon (Margaret) Mills of Minden, LA, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and devoted friends. Celebration of Life service for Mr. Percy “Leon” Gilbert will be held Thursday, February 1, 2018, 11am at Saint Philip AME Church., 240 Candler Rd., SE., Atlanta, GA., Reverend William D. Watley, PH.D. Senior Pastor. Mr. Gilbert remains will lie instate at 10am until the hour of service. Visitation Wednesday, January 31, 2018 10am-8pm at Gregory B. Levett & Sons, Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA., 30034 404-241-5656. Please visit our website to extend condolences. www.levettfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mr. Percy Leon Gilbert

March 3, 1954 - January 23, 2018