Wise Lee Gilbert departed this life Friday, December 3, 2010, at St. George Health Care Center, St. George, South Carolina. She was born October 10, 1920, in Dorchester County, the last daughter of the late Harry and Mary Smith Gilbert. Her two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death — Wilson (Bubby), Harry, Ora, Beatrice and Carletha.

After the death of her parents, she was reared by William and Celia Thompson. She attended Willow Oak Public School, St. George, SC. As a young adult, she lived in Charleston, South Carolina. She later moved back to St. George, South Carolina to live with her sister, Carletha to assist her with raising her children — Mary Ann and the late Melvin, Jr. She also raised Evangelist Mary Jane Yates and the late Malachi Sprinkle.

Aunt Wise Lee or Miss Wise Lee, as she was known, was a woman of pride, strength, humility and indescribable determination. At an early age, she became a member of Harvey Chapel Baptist Church where she served faithfully until her health failed. She was a Sunday School teacher, The Youth Choir, called the "Junior Stars," Founder and Director and a member of the Missionary Society. She was a true missionary to every one in and out of the community. She gave all she had for people and never said no. She helped every mother and their children.

In later years after the passing of her sister, Carletha, she moved to Dorchester Village of St. George, South Carolina where she lived for many years. While living there, she began attending the St. George Senior Citizens Center and was one of the first participants of the St. George Senior Citizens Group. Due to her declining health, she established residency at Brian Stokes Assisted Living Home of Branchville, South Carolina. She was recently placed at the St. George Health Care Center in St. George, South Carolina and remained there until she peacefully fell asleep in death.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her brothers and sisters children, some just like her own; Evangelist Mary Jane Yates of St. George, South Carolina; her sister, Carletha's children and grandchildren—Mary Ann Martino and Rose Samuels both of St. George, SC and Cassandra Paden of Goose Creek, South Carolina; a special niece whom she always called upon, Emma Gilbert Britt; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.