Joan “Jo” (Nee Bailey) Gilbert, a longtime Portsmouth resident, passed away Tuesday, April 20th, 2021.
Jo was born in Marion, Ohio, the only child of Oliver Joseph and Esther (Nee Davis) Bailey. She graduated from Marion Harding High School, Marion, OH 1953.
Jo was a GTE (General Telephone & Electronics) telephone operator in Marion where she met her husband, William “Bill” Gilbert. Bill and Jo were married in Marion, August 10th, 1956. Bill was transferred with GTE to Portsmouth, OH.
She was an avid softball player in Marion. After moving to Portsmouth, she was one of the top women’s bowlers in the Portsmouth Women’s Bowling Association. Jo traveled to State and National tournaments winning countless awards throughout her bowling years. For several years, she held the top women’s singles game score of 279.
Jo is preceded in death by her, parents, and husband of 53 years, Bill when he passed in 2009.
She is survived by one daughter, Leslie (John) Sisler of Lucasville, OH, two grandsons, Jacob (Breanne) Sisler of Athens, Seth (Jerilyn) Sisler of Athens, and two great-grandsons, Simon and Kairan Sisler.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Portsmouth Public Library in memory of Joan Gilbert. Jo was a lifelong reader and library patron.
F.C. Daehler will be serving the family. Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave special memories or condolences for Jo’s family.