Penny Scott Gilbert

Obituary:

In loving memory of Penelope S. Gilbert. Penny, who gracefully completed her journey on June 15, 2024, in Fairfax, VA was born on July 31, 1945, in Charleston, WV, to her loving parents Lee and Elmo K. Scott.

Penny excelled academically due to her dedication and intellect. She attended East Bank High School and proudly graduated as the Valedictorian of the class of 1963. She continued her education at Concord College, where she flourished academically and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1967.

Penny and Jim met in college and were married on January 29, 1966. After college, Penny and Jim initially settled in St. Albans, WV then Clarksburg WV. They went on to spend five years in Kenner, LA, three years in Vernon, CT, and one year in Baton Rouge, LA, before settling in Fairfax, VA in 1982. She dedicated the bulk of her working career to the Fairfax County Public Schools Library Information Technology Services department and the county’s librarians before embracing an energetic retirement caring for her granddaughter, Neko. Her commitment and passion left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Beyond her professional achievements, Penny was an excellent seamstress, like her mother, and became a devotee of native plant gardening. Her efforts  and inspiration brought beauty, blooms and butterflies to the world around her and served as a testament to her nurturing spirit.

Penny's passing came due to complications arising from Multiple Myeloma. Though she may have left this world, her memory will forever bloom like the flowers she so tenderly cared for.

Penny is survived by her beloved husband, James E Gilbert, their children: Glenn Gilbert, Sherry Gilbert, Jo Gilbert Thompson; grandchild Neko Thompson; siblings James K Scott and Melanie Scott Michaelson; their spouses Brenda Burleson Scott and Robert “Bob” Michaelson as well as a plethora of cousins, nieces, and nephews. In their time of mourning and reflection, may they find solace in the cherished moments spent with Penny.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable soul, let us remember Penny for her kindness, intelligence, and unwavering love for those around her. May her legacy continue to inspire us all to nurture both the gardens of nature and of our hearts.

If so moved, memorial donations to Life with Cancer, a local organization that provided so much support to her and her family or Earth Sangha, the local native plant nursery that so inspired her would be a fitting remembrance.

https://www.lifewithcancer.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/

https://www.earthsangha.org/donate