Obituary of Jean Evelyn Gilkes

Jean Evelyn Landon Gilkes, 89, from Ocala, FL, died April 3, 2011 at Tuscany House hospice in Summerfield, FL. She was born Dec. 26, 1921, in Elmira NY, the daughter of Evelyn Underwood Landon and Paul Eldaah Landon and grew up in Hempstead, Long Island, NY. She married Alfred Armstrong Gilkes on March 25, 1950, in her parents' Hempstead home. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2011, at Sylvia's House hospice in Ocala, FL. She was a homemaker by choice, whose greatest joy was caring for her family and volunteering for various church and scouting organizations. She was gentle and thoughtful, and had quite a good sense of humor. She enjoyed working with her husband on his many creative projects, including the writing and publishing of several books of poetry. She was a 1939 graduate of Hempstead High School, and later attended Hofstra University. She was a long-time member of the Community United Presbyterian Church in Deer Park, L.I., NY, and since moving to Florida in 1982, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocala, FL. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a younger sister, Mary Landon May, and in infancy, a younger sister, Helen Evelyn Landon. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Reese of Bedford, NH; sons, John Gilkes of Ocala, FL, and Paul Gilkes of Sidney, OH; stepson, Bruce Gilkes of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, for the V.I.P. Seniors Program. Visitation from 4:30pm - 8:30pm Friday, April 8th in the Magnolia Room at HIERS-BAXLEY FUNERAL SERVICES, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL. A funeral service will be held at 1pm Saturday, April 9, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church, 511 SE 3rd St., Ocala, FL with the Rev. Raymond Guterman officiating. A brief reception will follow immediately after the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 NE 3rd St., Ocala, FL. Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.