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Celebrating the Life of Eddie Gibert

Celebrating the Life of
Eddie Lamar Gibert

Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Visitation 10:30 A.M.
Celebration Service 11:30 A.M.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
1744 Darrow Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201

The Reverend Harold Barnwell, Senior Pastor




Celebrating the Life of
Eddie Lamar Gibert

His Story: Eddie L. Gibert

Eddie Lamar Gibert was born on September 2, 1962, in Evanston,
Illinois, the fourth child born to the union of John O. Gibert, Sr.
and Willie Mae Harrison Gibert. The youngest son and “baby
boy” who never crawled walked into the hearts and lives of
his parents and siblings.
Desiring to rear their five children in the Christian faith,
The John O. Gibert, Sr. Family became members of Bethel A.M.E.
Church. Eddie attended Bethel A.M.E.Church during his youth
and was a faithful member of Loranzo Taylor’s Sunday School
Class. He was often the first to respond to the Bible Challenges
and Drills.
Graced with a brilliant mind, Eddie was reared and educated in the
Evanston Public School System and graduated from DePaul University
with a degree in Operational Management. Excelling in the marketplace,
Eddie quickly became an industry leader in his field. Beginning at
McDonalds as their National Inventory Management Specialist, Eddie
discerned the future marketability of wireless networking and invested
his expertise into the global market of cellular technology. Transitioning
from the food service industry, Eddie became the Product Manger for
AT &T wireless in 1995. Introducing innovative strategy and marketing
plans, in 2003 Eddie gained the recognition of senior management and
became Director of Merchandising and Logistics for Cellular One.
One of Eddie’s greatest passions was cooking. During his High School
years he honed his skills by working at The Presbyterian Homes in
Skokie. He often used his culinary gift to delight his family’s palate.
Gourmet specialties as well as his special seasoned barbecue chicken
and ribs were frequent family treats.
Donning the title of “Uncle Eddie”, Eddie quickly became the favorite
Uncle. Encouraging, laughing, playing and offering counsel to his
nieces and nephews, Uncle Eddie caused theirfaces to light up
whenever he came into the room.
The greatest love of his life, however, was his mother, Willie Mae,
whom he showered with love, attention, plenty of hugs and her
favorite: flowers.
Remembering the days of his youth, Eddie rededicated his life to
the Lord Jesus Christ and now rests safely in His arms.
Having a special place in Eddie’s heart, Suzan King, and his lifelong
friends, Christopher West, Wesley Wallace, Regina Robinson, and
Julie Simmons, join The Gibert Family in celebrating Eddie’s life
and cherishing his memory.
Treasuring his life and special memories are: Willie Mae
(John Sr., deceased) Gibert, John Jr.(Wanda) Gibert,
Curtis Gibert, Peggy (Derrick, deceased) Norris,
Keyna (Robert) Gibert-Wright, Ralph (Cornelia) Speed,
Pollene (George )McIntyre, Odell Middleton, and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebrating the Life of
Eddie Lamar Gibert
August 5, 2009

Musical Prelude

Processional: Clergy & Family

Hymn of Comfort: Congregation

Invocation

Scripture Reading
Old Testament Reading Psalm 33:18-21
New Testament Reading II Corinthians 5:1-8

Music Ministry: Dorothy Cordoba

A Psalm of Worship & Praise: Wanda Gibert

Resolution

Words of Comfort
Bishop Solomon Smith, Mount Moriah Christian Center
Dr. Dee Davis White, Recovery Room Ministries, International

His Story: Eddie L. Gibert-- Shannon Gibert-Rollins
Family Tribute: Prophetess Bea Manning
Music Ministry: Reverend Clifford Wilson
The Message: Pastor Harold Barnwell

Benediction Hymn

Benediction & Recessional

Please join The Gibert Family in Johnson Fellowship Hall
immediately following the Interment

A Tribute to Eddie L. Gibert

Eddie, You were the Consummate Family Man
Never married…but yet married.
You were Uncle...
Surrogate Father…
Encourager…
Provider…
You were the Most Relational Man we Knew.
You taught us how a son should love and honor his Mother
Your care and devotion; unparallel.
Your winks…
Your smiles…
Your laughter…
Your quick remarks…
Filled us with joy again and again.
The way you embraced us as we said goodbye
Full of love, compassion, courage and concern for us…
Always thinking foremost of the ones you love
Is the distinct marking of the Man you are.
Your legacy of devotion to your family will never die…
It shall live in each of our hearts forever.

With love,
The Gibert Family

A Psalm of Worship & Praise

LORD, we have seen your hand…
full of grace and mercy towards us.
We have been eyewitness’ of your manifold goodness
Years of culminated prayer, fulfilled before our very eyes.
The seeds were planted, through our tears and prayers,
You sent others to water, and…
You have given the increase of a heart given totally to You.
Our hearts are heavy, but yet we worship…
We shout Hallelujah!
We whisper Hallelujah!
We moan Hallelujah!
We worship You, O God,
through our pain
through our suffering
through our tears
through our grief and …
through our mourning
Because your loving kindness is better than life,
we still shall praise You.
We praise You, O God, for Your Faithfulness
We praise You, O LORD, for Your Goodness
We praise You, O God, for Your Mercy
For Your Truth and Mercy endures for all generations.

Praise the LORD!
The Giberts

With Sincere Appreciation and Deep Gratitude to…
Pallbearers

Alfred Brownlee
Andre Tounsel

Rick Hammell
Daryl Verner
Anthony Henry
Wesley Wallace
Kevin Hunter
Chris West
Russell Sanders

Honorary Pallbearers

Curtis Gibert
Michael Gibert
Jason Gibert
Jordan King
John O. Gibert, Jr.
Derrick A. Norris
John O. Gibert, III
DeMario Speed
Kevin Gibert
Ralph Speed

The Clergy
Pastor Harold Barnwell
Reverend Clifford Wilson
Bishop Solomon Smith
Dr. Dee Davis White

Medical Support & Encouragement

Dr. Claire Kenneally
Dr. Patrick Logan
Dr. David Donnersberger
Dr. Robert MaGrisso
Nan Martin, R.N.
Kim Dsida, R.N.

A Special thank you…
To The Bethel Church Family, The Mount Moriah Christian Center Church Family, The I.C.H.E. Board, our friends and to those who spent time before The
Throne of Grace on behalf of Eddie and our family.

Interment
Immediately after Celebration Service
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Northbrook, Illinois

Fellowship Hour
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Evanston, Illinois

The battle against cancer is over

"Praise the Lord!" The battle is over. On Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. Eddie made a peaceful transition and went to be with the Lord. The scripture was fulfilled as death was swallowed up in victory!

Join us in celebrating God's grace and mercy!
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Wednesday, August 5th beginning with visitation from 10:30-11:30. The service will begin promptly at 11:30am.

Bethel AME Church
1744 Darrow Ave,
Evanston IL 60201
Phone 847-864-4264.


The funeral arrangements are being taken care of by
House of Thompson
1917 Asbury Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201-3594
Phone (847) 869-3172


We thank you for all your prayers, comforting words and support over these past few months.

It's been a good week for Eddie. There were a lot of relatives from out of town that got to see Eddie. They were in town for another event and had time to go by the hospital and visit. Eddie really enjoyed the company. The past three or four days Eddie has been awake and alert a lot. He remains unable to speak clearly but is still able to communicate with jesters. The doctors are amazed at how well he is doing and that he's not in much pain. All I can say is "Prayer Changes Things" Keep praying God's will for Eddie.
Thank you all for your prayers and concern.
John G

Today Eddie was more alert and active than he has been the past few days. Mom and Deb went by for a visit and said he was in good spirits.

Hospice Care

On Friday past Eddie was transferred to the Hospice Care unit at Evanston Hospital. The past few days Eddie has been resting a lot and not to talkative, although he was laughing and talking a little Sunday afternoon. Today he did not talk at all but seemed glad to see me for the short time he was awake.

A Call to Prayer

Around 3:30 pm, tomorrow, Keyna and I will meet with the hospital staff to discuss Hospice Care for Eddie. He is starting to experience some pain and discomfort. Please pray for the Lord's continued grace for Eddie and for us that we are able to make the best possible decisions for his care.

The last few days have been harder. Eddie has had ups and downs, but more downs than ups. Keep praying.

Today, Friday, is a day of bad news. Eddie's colon has ruptured and the toxic waste is causing the infection in his boby. At this time they are treating the infection with antibiotics. If they operate Eddie could be sedated for a while (one to two weeks) and may not recover. At best it would be three weeks before he would be able to resume chemo treatments. Yesterday when my family and I were at the hospital Eddie was in good spirits. He was talking to everyone, laughing and giving humorous comments. Please keep Eddie and the family in your prayers.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Family and Friends,
Eddie was moved to a nursing home last Friday. He was doing better and didn’t need medical care enough to be in the hospital. He did well Friday, Saturday and Sunday but took a turn on Monday. Wanda and I went to visit and found Eddie in what we thought to be a deep sleep, hard for him to wake up from. After he did wake up we noticed symptoms concerning his health that were not there before. His speech was slurred and we were unable to understand what he was saying. While helping him walk around some and spending a little more time with him, he was not getting better. End result of the visit was a trip to the ER. They did a cat scan and didn’t fine anything new. After further study by the doctors, it was discovered that he has an infection which may be the cause of the symptoms we noticed. He has now been put on antibiotics and is under close observation at Evanston Hospital.

The Move

Today Friday, Eddie was transferred to Manor Care Nursing Home in Wilmette. He has his own room which he may personalise. He will be able to walk around and go outside with supervision. He can also come and go with adult family. Eddie accepted the transfer well. He was tired due to the chemo and radiation treatments. More details to come.

Eddie has good days and bad days. Yesterday was a bad day. Keep praying

Tuesday's Update

Sunday may have been one of Eddie's worst days in the hospital to date. He wasn't talking and when he did his speech was slurred. He seemed to be drugged and somewhat confused.

Monday I went by to see him after work and things had changed for the better. When I arrived, Susan was there visiting. He had been napping off and on for the past few hours. He had his first treatment of chemo and radiation today and seemed to have responded fairly well.

I came prepared to give Eddie a haircut and shave and he seemed to be up for it. Susan helped hold his head up while I shaved and cut his hair. As we were finishing, the speech therapist came in. We did have a chance to take a few pictures to show Eddie and he seemed very pleased with the haircut and shave. Eddie requested that I come back soon with a razor in place of the clippers for a closer cut. I agreed.

The speech therapist was there as a result of Eddie's slurred speech over the past few days. I sat and observed the therapy session. The therapist said Eddie did much better than yesterday. I didn't get a chance to talk to her because before she could pack up to leave the IV nurse came.

Eddie indicated earlier that he was feeling a little nauseated (due to the chemo and radiation) so they were going to give him something for it through an IV. The IV nurse had some difficulty finding a place to stick him. He had been stuck so many times (because he kept pulling the IV out) on both arms that it was hard to find a good spot. The nurse was good at what she did and finally accomplished her mission.

As soon as the IV nurse left another nurse came in to test Eddie's blood sugar level. It was a little high so the nurse said they would give him something to help bring his sugar level down.

After the medical personnel left, Eddie was ready to get up and walk around. He still walks slow and seems to be slightly off balance so Susan suggested he go for a ride in the wheel chair. Eddie consented and he was ready to go.

From my observation, Eddie had a very good day compared to the last few days. He talked on the phone with Peggy while I was there. I haven't known or seem him talk on the phone since this ordeal began.

Near the end of my visit there was a moment of heighten emotion that ended with a big hug from Ed. I think he was glad I was there with him today. I know he's feeling better because he was talking about being ready to go home. Eddie was able to ride in the wheelchair to the front door of the hospital to bid be farewell. It got a little emotional at the front door and he consented to me praying for him before I left. Seeing my brother going through this makes me rethink what's important in life.

Thank God we have eternal life through Christ Jesus. (John 3:16) This short time here is just the beginning. Jesus said, He would never leave nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Continue to pray that Eddie would put ALL his trust in Jesus. And ONE DAY we who beieve and trust CHRIST will meet again. Praise God!

I saw Eddie yesterday and he was progressing well. He looked good after the operation. The healing process is doing fine. One of the doctoes said he thought Eddie was close to going home. When he comes home he will need 24 hour care. He is set to start treatments on Monday.

The Great Escape Artist, Eddie Gibert!

That's what the nurses are calling him. Over the past few days it was necessary to restrain Eddie to some degree to keep him from removing things(bandages, IVs, etc.) from his body that are there to assist in the healing process. Apparently, Eddie seems to have a nack for getting out of the restraints. Today he is doing well and is more compliant. The doctors are planning to start the raditation and chemo treatments next monday.

Please pray that Eddie will find his rest and help in the Lord.

Psalm 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

"The IV Snatcher"

The last few days have been a rough for Eddie and the family. Eddie and hospitals don't get along well. Eddie likes to pull the IV's out, get dressed and leave the hospital. That's his favorite part. Tuesday the nurses started calling him "The IV Snatcher". Today was the better of the last few days. Eddie was up walking, feeling better and didn't need as much attention from the hospital staff. Praise God he's doing better. Please keep praying for Eddie and the family. 

John 

Yesterday the doctors put a shunt in to drain the fluid from his head. Everything went well.

Catching Up!

A lot has happen over the past few days. On Saturday, Eddie experience some additional brain seizures. Some of the seizures were more severe than the others he had previously experienced. On Sunday, his condition continued to deteriorate. He lost mobility, the ability to speak and his comprehension was compromised. He was, however, coherent enough to agree that he needed to go to the hospital. He was taken to Evanston Hospital and after a few tests, they decided to admit him.

Over the course of the day, the team at Evanston Hospital was able to stabilize his condition. By the time I left the hospital that evening, Eddie was coherent and hungry. The nurse brought in a sandwich, which he enjoyed.

The oncologists are meeting and comparing notes. They are discussing the possibility of inserting a shunt in the brain to drain the excess fluid that has built up due to the cancerous growth. Hopefully, this procedure will help to relieve some of the pressure. Since the cancer is so deeply embedded within the brain, this procedure is being carefully weighed by the physicians.

Please pray that the Lord will give Eddie’s physician’s wisdom and skill to treat him. But most of all, pray that Eddie will continue to have faith and trust in the Lord. 

O LORD how great are thy works!

Psalm 92:5

O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

I’ll say it again “God is Awesome Anyway!”

We received lots of GOOD and ENCOURAGING news today.

Eddie went to see an oncologist today at Evanston Hospital for a second opinion. His new physician didn’t agree with the prognosis Cook County Hospital had given him. After reviewing the MRI, he felt strongly that the increased fluid levels in the brain (swelling) caused by the tumor could be drained. Secondly, he thought Eddie’s medication could be decreased. The steroids have caused Eddie’s energy level to significantly increase and have given him a voracious appetite. Finally, the doctor thought that if Eddie would take the recommended treatments (radiation and chemo) for six weeks he had a good chance of gaining another year of life. Up to this point Eddie has refused treatments, but today Eddie agreed to go ahead with the treatments. “PRAISE GOD!” 

John & Wanda

Today was good. Eddie went for a MRI this evening and tomorrow he has a doctor's appointment.

God is Awesome anyway!!!

Today went well. Eddie only had one seizure and it was a small one. His medication was changed a little. The doctor started him on medication to help with the seizures. I went by there this morning and Eddie was in good spirits. He even let me take a picture of him. He's gained a few pounds since he has been on steroids. The doctor has him on steroids to help with the swelling. I think he had a few visitors today after I left and the report I got from Keyna tonight was good. He has a doctors appointment Friday and we hope to get more information on his condition. Please continue to pray.

Psalms 28
1. To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
2. Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.
3. Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.
4. Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back upon them what they deserve.
5. Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.
6. Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7. The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
8. The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9. Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Good Morning All!
Each day is a blessing in itself. Yesterday was not a good day for Eddie. On three different occasions Eddie experienced a type of brain seizure which caused him to blank out. The doctors said this could happen but Eddie was doing so good, we didn't expect it so soon.Mom and Curtis were there to help him so he didn't fall or get hurt. This morning Hospice is coming to the house to talk to us. Please continue to pray. Pray that God will give us wisdom for the decisions we have to make today. And pray that as Eddie walks through this that his relationship with The Lord is strengthened.

Monday "A Good Day"

On Monday Eddie had a good day. He got a hair cut and a shave. I think it made him feel good. Because of his memory he doesn't think to shave when he needs to. He had a few non-family and lots of family visitors. Although he is only good for about 10 minutes on a visit, he seems to enjoy the time. After that first 10 minutes he might leave you sitting there and he's off doing something else. I had a good visit with him, and while I was there Rev. Cliff stopped by to visit and we had a time of prayer before we left. Again we covet your prayers and ask that you pray God's will in all this.
John Gibert Jr.

On April 25, Eddie was taken to Cook County Hospital ER and admitted to the hospital. After going to two different eye doctors over the course of about three weeks, the second eye doctor diagnosed Eddie with double vision and said he should get it checked out by a doctor immediately. To our shock and surprise the examination reveled a brain tumor about the size of a quarter. At this juncture a prayer alert was sent out by text and email. After numerous testing, including an abdominal scan, which showed no other tumors in other areas of his body, it was determined that the tumor in his brain was a primary tumor. It is located deep within the brain where removal is not an option. Test results tell us Eddie has Primary Glioblastoma Multiforme cancer. The recommended treatment is radiation therapy and chemotherapy. 

Based on the research I found, at this time in history no contemporary treatments are curative. 

The symptoms affecting Eddie are loss of short memory, double vision, headaches and some confusion at times. 

Eddie was in the hospital a little over a week and was released. The doctors said he could not stay alone so he is currently staying at Mom's house. He was scheduled for treatment starting on Monday the May 11th. Keyna and Curtis took him but he refused treatment and was very adament about it. In an earlier conversation I had with Eddie, while he was in the hospital, he told me that he excepts his fate. He's not mad at God, and refused treatment unless He is instructed by God to do otherwise. Edddie says:"He's talking to God about it." Eddie and I had a time of prayer and the presence of God was there. 

Saturday, May 23rd Eddie began experiencing some other symptoms and was taken to Evanston Hospital for medical care.  The staff at Evanston Hospital were unable to offer any treatment Again he refused treatment and refused to be admitted. He said he wanted to go home and be with his family. The results from the visit to Evanston Hospital revealed an increased in growth of the tumor. The tumor is now the size of a lemon. Sunday afternoon May 24th Curtis, Peggy, Keyna, Wanda and myself gathered at Mom's house to tell her the new news. Mom didn't take the news well. We spent some time together and had a time of prayer before we departed. We covet your prayers and will keep you updated here.

John Gibert Jr.