Gilbert A. Barksdale

GILBERT ALLEN BARKSDALES, SR., was born on January 31, 1941 in Baltimore, MD to the late St. Irene Robertson and James Matthews. Bro. Barksdale, age 72, was called from labor to reward on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at The University of Maryland Hospital. Bro. Barksdale received his former education in the Baltimore City Public School System and received his GED from the Adult Night School at Douglass High School. He received his Associate Degree from Essex Community College in Management during the early 70’s and Bachelors Degree from Antioch University, in Business Administration, during the mid 80’s. When Bro Gilbert was a young boy, his oldest brother Elmer would take him along with him to his college classes to instill in him that education was a very important component in life to have. With his education he was able to attain Supervisor, and Director positions at Johns Hopkins Hospital, The University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore Goodwill Industries and Millennium Nursing Home, where he retired in 2002 as the Director of Environmental Service. During the 80’s and 90’s, Bro Barksdale also was part owner of B&B Janitorial Service. After 16 yrs. Of age, in the year of 1957, Bro. Barksdale was invited to attend service with his neighbor and friend Bro. Howard Dennis. After rejoicing so hard during the devotional part of the service and then hearing the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preached by the Pastor, Bishop (Adv. Pre. Elder) C. Amos Hansley, Bro. Barksdale decided that he too wanted to be a member of the supreme Council of the House of Jacob. He was taught that whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might! He was excited about learning the word of God and loved to open up the word of God and loved to open up the scriptures to anyone who would listen. It didn’t matter how old you were, gender, or the color of your skin; if you wanted to talk about the scriptures, he was willing to share what he had been taught but you had to be willing to get your Bible and read along with him. Bro Barksdale also loved to preach and sing the songs of Zion. He was a member of the Stars Of Zion of Baltimore, The Golden Tones, The Angelic Singers, District 2A Choir, The Israelites of Washington, DC and a Member of The Supreme Council of the House Of Jacob National Choir. He took great pride in performing on musical programs. The spirit of God blessed him with the following songs, “ Bless God, He’s Due the Praise”. “He Can Help You”, “Abide in the Light of the Lord” and “Let the Holy Ghost Lead You”. During his early days in the church, he was given a poem to learn and recite by the late Adv. Sr. Mtr. Sarah Hansley entitled, “What Is Wrong with Our Churches Today?”, written by Father, W. Israel J.I.S. He would recite this poem on many Israel’s Day and Thanksgiving Day programs. As Bro. Barksdale grew in the gospel, so did his dedication to God and his people. He was made a Deacon after being in the church for a year, received his Junior Ministers License in Hancock, MD and later in 1972 was made a Presiding Elder and Assistant Pastor, of the Baltimore, MD mission under the Pastorship of the late Adv. Pres. Elder Marvin Woods, a position he held with pride for 18yrs. He was passionate about inviting anyone that he met out to service! He was a bold solider when he went out to do missionary work for the Lord. He loved visiting the sick and shut –in and anyone who needed assistance. Bro Gilbert had a strong desire to visit all of the churches throughout the coast of Israel. He was blessed to visit every mission except one (Omaha, Nebraska) even though his health was failing him, he still was making plans to complete his goal. He tried to walk 2 miles daily; he enjoyed delicious meals, listening to Quartet Gospel Music, and Martial Arts movies. Brother Gilbert Barksdale will truly be missed in the city of Baltimore, the Washington, DC congregation and throughout the coast of Israel. Bro. Gilbert met and married Mtr. (Eldrs) Magdalene Hubbard in 1971 and from this union came 5 children. He had special love for his son and daughter from his first marriage. The joy he received from his grandchildren, when he would hear their voices on the phone or see them in person gave him the biggest smile. Bro. Gilbert loved all of his family, always making his rounds to visit and spend time with them. He never like to gossip or put anyone down but he showed his love by doing what he could to be a help, always willing to meet you where you were in life and support you with kind words of encouragement. Bro. Barksdale was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Romaine, and Emma Catherine and 2 brothers; Milton and Samuel. He leaves to cherish his memories 7 children; Wanda Porter, Gilbert Barksdale, Jr.; Eldrs. Rose (Pre. Elder Samuel) Adams, Tamar Barksdale, Bro. Barnabas, St. Hanna (Bro. Eric) Grimes, Asa (Laurie) Barksdale Sr. 2 brothers; Reverend Elmer Barksdale, Roland (Maxine) Robertson, 3 sisters; Deaconess Florence (Sylvester) Jones, Jean Powell, Linda Barksdale. 9 grandchildren; Shaneen Porter, Keisha Porter, Asa, Jr., Bro Matthias, Bro. David, Summer, Dominic, St. Lydia, Bro. Eric. 1 great-granddaughter; Christiana, 2 God daughters; Mary Hansley, Eldrs Yvette Chin and his long time friend in the Gospel, Adv. Pres. Elder Clayborn Cann. We can not forget his nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends!

Tributes

Gilbert A. Barksdale

January 31, 1941 - January 20, 2014