Elnora "Nory" Eunice Gilbert

Elnora “Nory” Eunice Gilbert, 99, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas passed away on January 7, 2017. Born March 30, 1917, in rural Gravette, Arkansas, the daughter of Jewette Kincaid and Dora (Menke) Kincaid, she spent her childhood raised by hard working faithful parents, playing with and looking after her treasured younger brother, Ted. She loved singing in church. Her dog loved her so much he followed her one Sunday to ‘sing along’ with her from the church doorway. As a young girl she beat Scarlett Fever and proved herself to be the quiet determined soul so many were fortunate to know over the course of her life. After graduating from Jay High School in Jay, Oklahoma she took the unique opportunity afforded to her to pursue higher education and make the most of the gifts God had given her. Nory attended and graduated from John Brown University with a Bachelors of Science in Business, making her one of the first graduates to realize the Brown family vision of creating a school for economically disadvantaged young people who are "rich in aspirations, ideals, personality and integrity." While at JBU, Nory caught the eye of one Galen O. Gilbert and became the recipient of nightly coke floats delivered to her dorm from the downtown pharmacy. It’s pretty difficult to resist sweet treats from a handsome young man and so naturally a romance began that has continued ever since. Nory and Galen were married on August 24, 1940 in the home of Dr. Earl Smith and their marriage lasted 76 years. Their union was full of adventure, ambition and most importantly faith and reliance on the Lord. Together they felt and lived as if they were invincible, taking on every challenge and opportunity that came their way. These opportunities led them to start their careers as interim pastors of a little Methodist church in Iowa. During World War Two, they were brought to the RAF training facility in Terrell, Texas where Galen taught navigation to the British soldiers. After the war, they helped JBU expand their broadcasting efforts in California and eventually began buying radio stations of their own throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. It may have been the 1940s, but Nory was very involved in the business at hand and did the accounting for most of the radio stations throughout the decades. As they followed their dreams and built their life together they started a family. Both of Nory’s children were born in Siloam Springs; Galen Everett on November 15, 1942 and Jesse Ray on December 9, 1946. Nory’s boys were the lights of her life and she poured every ounce of dedication and joy she had into their upbringing. The love she showed her children and her community is evidenced in the long standing admiration still professed by childhood friends of her sons. No life is without pain and hardship and Nory’s was no different. She was the primary caretaker for her father as his life came to a close. In 1966, She lost her firstborn son, Galen, at the age of 23 in a test flight for the Navy. His jet was never recovered. Despite great heartache and adversity she continued to sow love and confidence into all those around her. Joy returned exponentially to Nory’s life when her Nory’s younger son Jesse and wife Susi had four children. Nory became a grandmother and this was her favorite role yet. Nory spoiled her grandchildren with abandon and half-heartedly would chastise herself for doing so. It wasn’t the spoiling that created the deep love between Nory and her grandchildren though, it was the consistent, patient, loving character of a Godly woman who portrayed the love of Christ to her family in even the most mundane of daily activities. Nory’s heart was a place of respite and a word of wisdom for a weary soul. Her cheerful disposition and positive outlook made anything seem possible and everything seem ok. Nory lived to see three of her grandchildren marry and for the last two years she has savored every moment possible getting to know and lavish love onto her first born great grandchild, Lorraine. Another marriage and more great grandchildren who will benefit from her legacy are slated for 2017. Though naturally we wish Nory could be here in person to celebrate and experience these exciting times we know she has finished her race and is celebrating in Heaven, her true home with God the Father who no doubt said to her upon her arrival, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’. Nory was preceded in Death by her parents, brother Ted Kincaid and son, Galen Everett Gilbert. She is survived by her husband Galen of the home; son Jesse Gilbert and wife Susan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; 4 grandchildren Holly Romero and husband Peter Romero of Richardson, Texas, Galen Howard Gilbert and wife Natisha Gilbert of Los Angeles, California, David Gilbert and wife, Cate Gilbert of Houston, Texas, Emily Gilbert of Santa Monica, California; 1 great grandchild Lorraine Romero; sister-in-law, Jo Kincaid of Siloam Springs, Arkansas and many devoted nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to John Brown Scholarship Fund, Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

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Elnora "Nory" Eunice Gilbert

March 30, 1917 - January 7, 2017