Born to Josephine Elder and John Tolbert, the family eventually moved to Perris, CA in 1940. After many years, Gilbert was appointed Head Deacon at The Lily of the Valley C.O.G.I.C. under Pastor James A. Sweeney for 31 years. He read his bible daily.

Served under Pastor Melvin Knighton, Sr. until his transition Living Water Church C.O.G.I.C. for the past 14 years. Gilbert worked many different jobs in Perris and throughout the region. He worked at March Air Force Base Service Station as a supervisor. He also worked at Camp Pendleton assembling industrial freezers. Later, he began gardening at the base. He also worked for Dr. Stall as a supervisor for his Farm, raising Alfalfa for cattle, hauled green feed for milk cows to artesian dairy. He began farming produce for himself, harvesting corn, okra, onions, collard mustard, turnip greens, cabbage, tomatoes, garlic, beets, and assorted peppers. He sold his produce to Stater Brothers Stores, and the Los Angeles 5th Street Market. Deacon Williams’ hobbies included horses, raising cattle, wood/metal work, plumbing, and building model gas engine airplanes. He was a licensed ham radio operator, and did mechanical work, was an avid fisherman, and loved helping others.

 

He is survived by his wife Yolonda Williams (married 24 yrs), his 3 step-daughters; Lisa Nichols, Jean Marie Whitehurst, (Calvin) Buffy D. Steed; Grandchildren: Chaney Stokes, Eli Tobias Porter, Brandon M. Porter, Patrice M. Porter, Jeanne Hall, Paris Lavell Bender, Teara Hall, Anthony Hall. Great-Grandchildren Ahmaya Joseph, Noelle Joseph, Jhamier Hall, Mi Angel Hall, Brandon M. Porter Jr., Demeara Joseph, Desmond Joseph, Azariah Bender, Xavier Porter, Anjanay Porter, Taraji Bender, Serenity Bender, Bryson Bender, King Hall, Dominea Bender, Myleeza Bender, plus 5 others. His 2 daughters: Ella Mae Walker and Patricia Williams. Son: Gilbert Williams, Jr. Step-son Walter James, (Penny) Charles Polguit, Billy Keyes. Grandchildren Domonique Sherow, Timothy Sherow, Herbert Taylor, Tarajee Walker, Jasmine Walker, Taliah Walker, Serenity Williams, Trinity Williams. Great grandchildren Ariel Walker, Ameer Freeman, Jason Rudison, London Rudison, Nathaniel Perkins, Zaya Johnson, Edmund Eugene Perkins plus 35 other grandchildren.