Norma Jean "Frosty" Gilbert

Norma Jean "Frosty" Grant Gilbert, a life-long resident of Scott and Smith Counties, Mississippi died on February 7, 2026, at the blessed age of 97. She died peacefully at Lackey Nursing Home, where she was cared for by their wonderful and dedicated staff since December 2022.

She was a retired educator, primarily in the Scott County and Forest School Systems. She loved the Lord and her family with all her heart. She was known for doting over the small children of the family and cooking huge meals when everyone gathered.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Tommy Gilbert. They were married almost 73 years until Tommy's death in 2024. Frosty often referred to her Tommy as "a good man" and that he was.

She is survived by daughters Jeanne Finch (Barney), Donna Gilbert; grandchildren Hope Bell (Steven), Tommy Bishop (Brittany); great-grandchildren Jacob Bell, Ally McKee, Joshua Bell, Cooper Bell, Dolly Bishop, Daisy Bishop. She is also survived by a host of special nieces and nephews.

She was born to Travis Ulysses and Effie Grant in Smith County, MS on October 1, 1928. She was preceded in death by her parents, and all six siblings. Ray Grant (Doris, Max Grant (Joyce), Billy Grant (Voncille), Bobby Grant (Zettie), Paul Grant (Barbara, Penny), and her only sister Leone Grant Stinson (James).

Frosty met Tommy at Jones Junior College. He proposed to her with the words..." Will you make tracks around my flour barrel?” And she lived up to that request as she cooked huge meals and baked wonderful desserts. She often cooked garden vegetables that she and Tommy grew on their farm. Her family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren were her delight and joy. She was selflessly devoted to her family. She graduated from Mississippi College with an education degree, and she taught elementary students mostly at Lake and then at Forest in her later years. She was a disciplinarian in her classroom yet showed extravagant love and kindness to her students and co-teachers alike.

Visitation will be Wednesday February 11, 2026, from 4:30-6:30 at the Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Forest MS. Services will be held on Thursday February 12 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Carr United Methodist Church Cemetery. Rev. Eugene Banes will conduct the services. Memorials may be sent to Carr Church Cemetery, 11137 Highway 501, Forest MS 39074.

Pallbearers will be: Roger Grant, Paul Grant, Brent Bell, Steven Bell, Tommy Bishop, Jacob Bell, Joshua Bell.