BEAUMONT, Texas — The homegoing celebration for Ebonie Nacol Gilbert, a beloved woman who made a lasting impact on the entire community, is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Gilbert was born on July 19, 1985, in Orange to Olin and Minnie Gilbert. Her life was taken far too soon at the age of 39.
She was brutally shot and killed outside of her own home after confronting people who were attempting to break into her car.
Three suspects were arrested and charged with murder. They could face up to life in prison if convicted.
The homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 11 a.m. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. until time of service at Dominion Church International (formerly Power of Praise Christian Center) located at 1311 N. 10th St. in Orange.
Read the full obituary:
"Ebonie Nacol Gilbert was born on July 19, 1985, in Orange, Texas to Olin and Minnie Gilbert.
Ebonie grew up in Orange, Texas where she attended Elementary, Intermediate, Middle and High School. She graduated in 2003 from West Orange-Stark High School. Ebonie was a member of the Mustang Band Flag-Color Guard Team. She was an exemplary student that excelled academically and in extracurricular activities.
At an early age Ebonie united with New Day Deliverance Church in Orange, Texas. Ebonie later joined Power of Praise Christian Center in Orange, Texas where she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. While a member at Power of Praise she served as a Praise Dancer.
Ebonie recently rededicated her life to Christ and is a beloved member of New Day Deliverance Holiness Church in Beaumont, Texas where she regularly attended worship services and Bible Study classes. She also served as a Pastor’s Aide, Youth Leader and recently appointed to the Finance Committee.
Ebonie worked for several refineries in the Golden Triangle Area as a Superintendent, Labor Foreman, and Fire Watch Safety Leader. She studied and received certifications as a Safety professional. Ebonie was a dedicated and committed Associate often receiving promotions to roles of increasing responsibility along with recognition and awards for her exemplary performance.
Ebonie was a committed life learner and, in an effort, to further enhance her knowledge and career she recently enrolled in Houston Community College where she quickly achieved Honors recognition. In November of 2023 she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. She was on track to receive her Counseling Degree in December of this year.
Ebonie is a beautiful flower plucked away from us far too soon. Thankfully, her blooms have spread to everyone she has encountered. If you have been around Ebonie, you likely experienced her radiant, joyful, and caring personality. She was a christian, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, friend, and co-worker. Ebonie was an intelligent leader that did not mind working hard and furthering her education to earn a good living. She loved the Lord, enjoyed attending church, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Ebonie was well loved and is survived by her mother Elder Minnie Shankle-Gilbert, a special nephew Da’Quarius Gipson, Uncles Melvin and Paul Gilbert (Paula), Doug Shankle (Debra), Aunts – Linda Faye Pierce (Ken), Daniella Shankle, Shirley Shankle and a host of relatives, cousins, classmates, and friends.
Ebonie was preceded in death by her late Father Olin Gilbert and Sister LaKeisha Gilbert.
Ebonie will certainly be missed but her legacy of a life well lived will live in our hearts and minds.
The Homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11 a.m., Colors-shades of pink (optional) Viewing begins at 10 a.m. until time of service, at Dominion Church International (Formerly Power of Praise Christian Center) 1311 N. 10th Street Orange, Texas 77630"
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.