Bernice Patterson Gilbert, age 76,of Middlesboro, passed away at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Lexington, on Friday, January 5, 2024. She was born on April 16, 1947, in Middlesboro, to the late Eli and Maggie Patterson. Bernice was a woman of strong faith who was dedicated to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by an infant son, Ricky Gilbert; sisters, Evelynn (June) Lamb, Magadlen (Ralph) Mayes, Retha (Eddie) Partin; brothers, Leonard (Maxine) Patterson, James “Buddy” (Wanda) Patterson, Dexter (Thelma) Patterson, Ancil (Georgia) Patterson, and Eli “Junior” (Roberta) Patterson; father-in-law, Woodrow Gilbert; and mother-in-law, Rosalee Gilbert.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years, Earl Gilbert; son, Robert (Stephanie Eldridge) Gilbert; grandchildren, David (Michelle) Gilbert and Amber (Blake Collins) Gilbert; great-grandchildren, Cheyanne Gilbert, Josiah Gilbert, and Ambrose Collins; and sister, Opal (Bill) Inman as well as a host nieces and nephews.

The family of Bernice Patterson Gilbert received friends on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro. Funeral services immediately followed with Pastor Dakota Heck, presiding.

Graveside services were held at noon., on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Patterson Cemetery in Beans Fork, Middlesboro.

Pallbearers were Josiah Gilbert, Terry Heck, Matthew Heck, David Patterson, Walter Patterson and Brian Patterson.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Bernice Patterson Gilbert were under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro.