Constance Jean Purdy Gilbert

Southaven, MS –

CONSTANCE JEAN PURDY GILBERT

was a devoted mother, wife, and award winning poet.  Her life began in the gulf breeze of Panama City, FL, a product of the great post World War II baby boom that defined “Teenager,” Rebel,” and “Party.”  Big sky country of Missoula, MT with cattle ranchers, rodeo riders, and travels on horseback became the backdrop of her childhood.  Early adulthood was the space needle of Seattle, Alaskan Airline, and the university night life of the pacific Northwest.  Phoenix, AZ landscaped where she rocked out in the music scene, fell into an eternal love, married, had children, and prepared for the last move of her life: Mississippi.  In Mississippi she became a member (and, at times, President) of the Friends of the Library, and then worked for M.R. Davis Public Library till her retirement.  She loved books, karaoke, the arts, her family, and a great party.  She touched many lives, inspired us to be the best people we can be, volunteer whenever and wherever possible, and love each other to the fullest because

family

– however it may be defined –

is everything

.  She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Dearl Wayne Gilbert of Southaven, MS; her children, Bridget Purdy Gilbert of Laurel, MS, Amanda Purdy Gilbert of Southaven, Dearl Wayne Gilbert II of Hernando, MS; her siblings, William Purdy and Robert Irigon of Seattle, WA, Mary and David Killgrove of Suntan Valley, AZ, Diane Pettigrew of Albuquerque, NM, John Purdy and Kim Croswhite of Bothell, WA; and extended family and friends worldwide.  Visitation will be

Thursday, August 20

from

12 p.m.

until the memorial service begins at

2 p.m.

at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven. In lieu of flowers, bring a copy of your favorite book for the Connie Gilbert Memorial Book Drive.