Jeanne Niel Gilbert

Jeanne Niel Gilbert, 47, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on May 28, 2011, in Katy, Texas. She was born on August 26, 1963, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was an amazing mom, wife, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. Jeanne's zest for life was contagious and she made us laugh with her quick wit. In addition to being so much fun, she had a huge heart and the strength to match. She showed such grace and dignity through her struggle that she touched all of us. She leaves behind an empty place in our hearts, but a big smile when we think of her.

Jeanne moved to Houston in 1991 where she met and married her soul mate, Tony. While in Houston she worked in marketing for Litwin and Halliburton and prior to that worked in the Financial Services Department at CITGO in Lake Charles and made many friends along the way. After 11 years of working in the energy industry, she decided to stay home and raise her daughter, Ashley, her pride and joy. Always striving to excel, Jeanne then started a drapery business where her gift of decorating was realized and she became a successful home-based business woman.

Jeanne's biggest love was her family. She leaves behind her husband of 14 years, Tony Gilbert, and daughter, Ashley Gilbert, of Katy, TX; parents Charles and Pat Niel of Lake Charles, LA; sisters Patricia Niel Prebula of Sulphur, LA; brothers Jim and Charles Niel of Lake Charles, LA; father and mother-in-law Russell and Jane Gilbert of Sugar Land, TX; brother and sister-in-law Brian and Theresa Murphy of Monument, CO; several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Al Prebula of Lake Charles, LA, grandparents, Margaret and Kenny Lyles and Lena and Albert Niel, and uncle, John A. Niel.

Friends are invited to join the family for a graveside service Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Forest Park, Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. A celebration of Jeanne will follow the service at her home until 1 p.m.

A memorial service and celebration of her life, officiated by Deacon Glenn Viau, will be held at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at 1 p.m. 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jeanne's honor to Memorial Hermann Cancer Research Foundation, 9250 Pinecroft, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.