Linda Joyce Roos Gilbert, born October 13, 1947, passed into her Heavenly Reward on June 28, 2023 after a prolonged illness.
Joy was a woman who, above all, loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After an encounter with the Lord in 1995, she moved to North Florida and began a life of ministry. In 1999, she was ordained in Mobile, Alabama by David White as a Minister of the Gospel through Morning Star Ministries. In some form or fashion, she shared Jesus and ministered to those around her to the end of her life.
Beginning in 2004, she spent several years in Uyo Nigeria, working with local tribal leaders to develop a hospital as well as an orphan/widow ministry and was fondly known as “Mama Joy”. During her time in-country, she adopted several children/teens into her household. After returning from overseas, in addition to continuing to support the Nigerian mission, she established a local feeding ministry and food pantry, Innovative Charities of Northwest Florida, which has gone on to provide food and supplies to innumerable individuals in Jackson, Calhoun and Liberty counties. Through the years, she has counseled and ministered to many and impacted the lives of hundreds if not thousands of hurting and/or needy individuals.
She began music lessons as a young girl and was extremely gifted vocally and in playing the trumpet. After becoming a dedicated believer, she used her musical skills to worship through playing the shofar. She not only played, but she taught others how to play and encouraged them in worship.
She was knighted in 2004 as a Dame of Grace of the Knights of Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Marianna, Florida until her death.
Outside of her ministry and love for the Lord, she was a passionate FSU fan! She loved sports in general but it was a special bonus if FSU teams were playing and even better if they won.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Meredith Karl Roos (1982) and Blanche Ellen Roos (2011); one sister, Sandra Kay Etheridge (2002); one brother-in-law, Warfield Arnold (2002) and members of her Nigerian family, Ekaeta, and Teresa.
She is survived by her sister, Ellen JoAnn Arnold; one nephew, Robert Arnold (Shirley); two nieces, Ellen Arnold Samek (Gary), Wendy Scott Beane (John); four great nephews, Bobby Arnold (Kristina), Michael Samek (Rachel), David Samek and Spencer Beane; six great nieces, JoAnna Samek, Caitlyn Samek, Kristen Samek Bell (Jonathan), Rachel Samek Hackney (Kendall), Lydia Samek, Sarah Samek; two great-great nephews, Kody Arnold and Kassidy Arnold; two great great nieces who are expected to arrive in August 2023, as well as one brother-in-law, David Etheridge (Sabrina). She is also survived by her Nigerian family, adopted twins, Goodness and Grace Emmanual, along with Collins Etura (Patience) and their son, Gilbert Etura (Joy’s namesake).
She leaves behind many friends and family members who she looks forward to seeing again when they join her in the presence of her Lord.
A memorial service will be held at a future date for family and friends. Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to continue her legacy may be made to Innovative Charities of Northwest Florida 3759 Thompson Road, Marianna, FL 32448.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com
