Ms. Ollie Mae Gilbert, 80, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Brickyard Healthcare Facility in Elkhart on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 12:35 p.m., following an extended illness.

Born in Blytheville, Arkansas, on June 26, 1946, Ollie was the beloved daughter of the late Calvin and Mary (Swift) Gilbert. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Nathaniel Gilbert, Nathan Gilbert, O.C. Gilbert, J.D. Gilbert, Beauty Mae Bates, Bernice Gilbert, Mary Jackson, and Sylvia Leasure.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Lois J. (Steven) Mason, Sr. and Travonda Gilbert, both of Elkhart; her son, Dr. Terrence (DeCora) House, U.S. Army, Retired, of Louisville, Kentucky; her devoted sisters, Mable Davis, Beatrice Edwards, Shirley (T.L.) Honorable, and Cathy Lindsay, all of Elkhart; her beloved brother Charles (Amy) Gilbert of Elkhart; her treasured grandchildren, Steven Mason, Jr., Tyllis Mason, Sr., both of Elkhart, Tierra House of Jonesboro, Georgia, and SSGT Latoria House, USAF, currently stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She also leaves behind nine cherished great-grandchildren—Tyllis, Jr., Destiny, Riley Rose, Taraji, Samyah, Taylor, Lelia, Steven III, and Jamari—along with her beloved goddaughter, Evita Abuissa of South Bend, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and fellow church members who will forever treasure her memory.

A lifelong woman of faith, Ollie was a devoted member of Community Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for the Lord was evident not only in the words she spoke but in the life she lived. Her faith guided her every day and inspired a lifetime of humble service to others. Whether she was lending a helping hand, offering an encouraging word, or preparing a meal for someone in need, Ollie believed that serving others was one of the greatest ways to honor God.

That servant's heart was reflected throughout her working years. She spent many years as a fabricator in the recreational vehicle industry before later finding a calling as a dietary aide at Brickyard Healthcare Facility. Caring for others came naturally to Ollie. She found genuine joy in making people feel comfortable, cared for, and loved, often believing that one of the best ways to care for someone was to feed them well. She took enormous pride in helping others, and those who knew her best understood that her kindness was never something she did for recognition—it was simply who she was.

Few things brought Ollie greater happiness than gathering family and friends around her table. Her kitchen was often the heart of her home, filled with laughter, conversation, and the irresistible aromas of home-cooked meals. An exceptional cook, baker, griller, and barbecue enthusiast, she was especially well known for her delicious Southern soul food. At Community Missionary Baptist Church, she was a familiar and faithful presence in the church kitchen, where she lovingly helped prepare countless Sunday dinners and repast meals that nourished both body and spirit. For Ollie, every meal was another opportunity to show love.

Above all else, however, her greatest joy was her family. She loved each member with her whole heart and treasured every visit, every celebration, and every opportunity to simply spend time together. Her children and grandchildren remained the center of her world, and she delighted in creating memories that will continue to warm their hearts for generations to come. Her home was always open, her table always welcoming, and her heart always overflowing with love.

Ollie was also known for her unmistakable personality. She was wonderfully genuine, refreshingly honest, and never afraid to speak her mind. She possessed a quick wit, an infectious sense of humor, and a joyful spirit that could brighten any room she entered. She had a remarkable way of making people laugh, often without even trying, and her lively personality made family gatherings and celebrations all the more memorable. She truly lived life on her own terms, embracing each day with confidence, strength, and grace.

When time allowed, Ollie enjoyed fishing, relaxing with classic television Westerns such as The Rifleman and Bonanza, and listening to Southern blues music. These simple pleasures brought her peace, but nothing compared to the fulfillment she found in her faith, her family, and serving those she loved.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the legacy Ollie leaves behind is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love, selfless service, and remarkable generosity. Her hands were seldom still because they were so often busy caring for others, and her heart remained steadfastly devoted to God and to the people He entrusted to her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all whose lives she so faithfully touched.

In accordance with her wishes and those of her family, funeral services celebrating Ollie's life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Community Missionary Baptist Church, 228 Chapman Avenue, Elkhart. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. Reverend Pastor Clarence Jones will officiate. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services