Deborah Lynn Gilbert

Deborah Lynn Gilbert, 70, of Port Deposit, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life.

Born in Elkton, Maryland on July 15, 1955, Deborah was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph Fred Sexton, Sr. and Dorothy Marie (Carter) Sexton. She shared a loving marriage with her devoted husband, Dennis R. Gilbert, Sr., and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love.

Deborah was the heart of her home and family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she dedicated her life to caring for others. She was the proud mother of three children, grandmother of thirteen, and great-grandmother of eight, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

She was a faithful member of Charlestown Missionary Baptist Church in Charlestown, Maryland, and New Beginning Baptist Church in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. Her faith guided the way she lived, with kindness, generosity, and a welcoming spirit.

One of Deborah’s greatest joys was gathering her family around the table. Holidays at her home were filled with laughter, warmth, and the aroma of meals lovingly prepared for as many as forty people. Her door was always open, not only to family but to anyone in need of comfort, love, or a place to belong. She created a home where everyone felt welcome, and cared for. Her nurturing spirit and selfless heart touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Deborah is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Dennis R. Gilbert, Sr.; her daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Harman and her husband William, Jr of Charlestown, Maryland; her sons, Dennis R. Gilbert, Jr. and his wife Teresa of Rising Sun, Maryland, and Aaron Gilbert and his wife Jennifer Lynn of North East, Maryland. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Arnold, her brother, David Sexton, twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lois Sexton, her brother, Joseph F. Sexton, Jr, and granddaughter, Allison Kate Gilbert.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Charlestown Missionary Baptist Church, 1168 West Old Philadelphia Road, Charlestown, Maryland. Friends and family may visit Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Interment will follow at Rose Bank Cemetery, Calvert, Maryland.

For condolences and additional information, please visit Crouch Funeral Home.