Homegoing Celebration for the life of Mrs. Annie Bell Gilbert of Tampa who peacefully transitioned from this life on Friday, January 22, 2016, service will be held Saturday, January 30th, 11:00 a.m. at New Mt. Zion M.B. Church, 2511 E. Columbus Dr., Rev. Larry Roundtree II, pastor officiating. The interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. Annie Bell Gilbert was born September 14, 1919 in Campbellton, Florida. She was the only child of Lelar and Oscar Jones. Her early commitment to her Christian faith was publicly professed in 1930 while attending St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Jacob, Florida. After four years of marriage to Rochester Gilbert and living in Jackson County Florida, the family moved to Tampa, Florida. She was a faithful member of New Mt Zion Missionary Church for over 70 years. During this time, she has served as a Church Building Fund Team Leader, Treasurer of Pulpit Aid, and was a long time participant in Bible Study and Sunday School. Throughout her career, she was recognized as an accomplished seamstress. Among her clients there were requests from various organizations for uniforms, churches for choir robes, and ladies requesting formal as well as semi-formal dresses. Also, there were requests for women dresses and casual outfits. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rochester Gilbert and her dear friend Sister Julia Mae Campbell. She was the mother of four children, however, she was lovingly referred to as Mama Gilbert by all who came in contact with her. She was a loving mother and friend to many. She has touched and inspired the lives of many through her kindness and devotion to her family, friends and community. She continued to pray for the church, loving and caring for it even when she became unable to attend. She will be long remembered for her tender and affectionate engagement of those she came into contact with. She leaves to cherish her memories with children, Cassie V. Taylor (Walter D.), Marion B. Gilbert (Nancy), Michael L. Gilbert (Juanita) and Barbara J. Mitchell; godson, Elder Charles Davis (Deloris); grandchildren, Angela B. Taylor, Dwayne D. Taylor (Joan), Christopher Mitchell, Lennard D. Gilbert (Vivian), Brian M. Gilbert (Lisa) and Sharel Mitchell; great grandchildren, Rafeal D. Adams, Alexis D. Taylor, Baili N. Martin and Jordan E. Taylor; cousins, Bennie White, Jacksonville, FL, Corinne Jones, Panama City, FL, Kelly Smith and Hattie White, both of Tampa, FL; other relatives and special friends to include, Sister Beverly Footman, Sister Lonnie Carson, Deacon Booker T. Washington, Deacon and Sister Clarence Fort, Sister Toynetta Williams and Sister Mary White; and a host of church family and friends. The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Friday, January 29th from 5 to 8 p.m. the family will receive guest from 6 to 7 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.