Joy L. Gilbert

Joy Louise Hersback Gilbert, 94, of Port Huron, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

She was born on November 24, 1930 in Royal Oak, to the late Arthur and Stella May Hersback. She married her high school sweetheart, William E. Gilbert Sr., on July 28, 1951 and they shared 53 years of marriage before his death on September 12, 2004.

Joy’s career was spent as an educator, serving as a gym and history teacher in the Capac and Port Huron school districts prior to her retirement. She was not only a teacher but a tireless advocate for her students-always ensuring that those in need were cared for, with a kind word, a warm coat, or quiet encouragement when it was needed most.

One of Joy’s gifts was the kindness she showed others. She and her husband Bill loved to host gatherings of family and friends at their beautiful pool. Guests were welcomed with great food, strawberry daiquiris and a freezer full of Schwan’s ice cream. Joy also had a lifelong love for animals. She faithfully fed stray cats and, in her later years, found joy in watching and feeding the squirrels and birds outside her door, greeting them each day with care and affection.

Joy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Scott Magneson, and her son and daughter-in-law, William E. Gilbert Jr. and Bonnie Gilbert. She was a proud and loving grandmother to her four grandsons and their wives: Darin and Laura Magneson, James and Michelle Gilbert, Kyle and Brina Magneson, and Daniel and Jasmine Gilbert. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren who she adored: Ella and Kate, Hadleigh and Jase, and Carson, Charlotte, and Coral Joy. Joy’s eyes lit up upon seeing any of her great grandchildren and she loved spending time with them.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joy was preceded in death by two sisters, Lorraine Murray and Catherine Toles.

Per Joy’s wishes, no formal service will be held and a private family gathering to honor her life will take place at a later date. Joy will be inurned with her husband at Allied Veterans Columbarium, Port Huron.

Her family extends their heartfelt thanks to her friends at Bluewater Lodge, her caregivers at Marwood Manor, and her longtime friend, Cheryl Cole, for their compassion and support.

Donations may be made in Joy’s memory to Harbor Impact Ministries or the Port Huron Police Fund at the Community Foundation.