Betty Carolyn Talley Gilbert

Betty Carolyn Talley Gilbert of Orange, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, the thirteenth of June, 2026 at the age of eighty-eight years. Betty lived a life defined by hard work, compassion, and selfless service to others. Her generosity, kindness, and caring spirit left a lasting impact on family, friends, and all who knew her, and exemplified her love for her Lord and Savior. Betty graduated from Orange County High School in 1956, and married George Allen Gilbert Sr., formerly known as "Butch," (1937-2017) of Orange, Virginia, on the eighteenth of July, 1959. She dedicated much of her life to serving both her community and her profession. She was employed by Virginia Telephone Company from 1958-1964, and later continued her career working in the family business at Gilbert Implements Inc. from 1982-2006. One of Betty's greatest joys was working alongside her family, as she treasured the opportunity to build meaningful memories with those she loved most. Beyond her professional career, Betty was actively involved in her community. In the 1970s, she volunteered as a leader for The Brownies, as well as in many school events for her children. Additionally, she volunteered at the Orange Country Town Pool, and for the Orange Train Station. She was an active member and volunteer at Trinity United Methodist Church, and was a member of the Rapid Ann Garden Club, Orange Chapter. Betty had a deep appreciation for animals, as she devoted countless hours to caring for and nurturing cats and squirrels that landed around her. She found peace and purpose in the outdoors and spending time out in town, and took pride in her care for God’s creation in her own quiet and meaningful way. Above all, Betty will be remembered for her loving and giving heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to others. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared so freely. Betty is survived by a daughter, Laurel Elizabeth Gilbert and life partner, Bruce Howard Etkin, of Aspen, Colorado; a son, George Allen Gilbert Jr. and wife, Stephanie Gilbert, of Barboursville, Virginia; three grandchildren, Halley Dayne Nicks and husband, Jake Nicks, of Three Forks, Montana, Phoebe Gray Harris and husband, Weston Harris, of Goode, Virginia, and Emma Gilbert Burch and husband, Adam Burch, of Wilson, North Carolina; five great-grand children, Olan Dane Nicks and Haislyn Mae Nicks of Three Forks Montana, and Adelynne Gray Harris, Bowen Seth Harris, and Layton Dane Harris of Goode, Virginia; a brother, Bailey Edwin Talley Jr., of Gordonsville, Virginia; a sister, Doris Lyn Davenport of Midlothian, Virginia; a sister-in law, Bettye Gilbert Dickinson and husband, Warren Ashley Dickinson, of Mineral, Virginia; a nephew, Warren Ashley Dickinson II and wife, Laura Dickinson of Richmond, Virginia; four nieces, Tyler Dickinson Luther and husband, Andrew Luther, of Glen Allen, Virginia, Meredith Everett of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Deborah Davenport and husband, Antony Opperman, of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Margaret Evans of Midlothian, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her father, Bailey Edwin Talley Sr. and mother, Virginia Myrle Talley of Gordonsville, Virginia, and her husband, George Allen Gilbert Sr. of Orange, Virginia. A celebration of her life will be held through a graveside service at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville, Virginia, on Saturday, the twentieth of June, 2026 beginning at 10:30 am with reception to follow at Trinity United Methodist Church in Orange, Virginia, at 11:30 am. The family welcomes floral tributes in Betty's memory. Arrangements may be made through Lacy's Florist & Gift Shop, located at 120 W. Main Street, Orange, Virginia, 22960. Floral arrangements may be delivered to Preddy Funeral Home, located at 250 W. Main Street, Orange, Virginia, 22960.