Carol Eileen Gilbert, age 63, lifelong resident of Tomball, Texas, passed away on December 28, 2025, at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.

Carol was born on May 29, 1962, at the original Tomball Hospital. She was born with Down syndrome, and early in her life doctors told her parents that she would likely not live past the age of five and advised placing her in a state home. Instead, her parents brought her home, where Carol was loved and supported, and she went on to exceed every expectation set before her. She lived a full life rooted in family and joy.

Carol graduated from Tomball High School in 1983, where she volunteered in the school library. After graduation, she attended a work training program and later worked for many years at Stuebner Airline Veterinary Clinic. She took pride in her responsibilities and especially loved working around the animals. At home, Carol was an active helper and enjoyed contributing in everyday ways, including cooking, cleaning, and helping with daily tasks.

Carol was deeply involved in Special Olympics throughout her life, competing in track and field, softball throw, bowling, and bocce ball. Over the years, she earned dozens of medals, reflecting her perseverance and love of competition. She participated with Teens and Friends, Northwest Stars, and Treasures of Joy, and was a member of Texas Advocates for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and The Arc of Texas. She was also a lifetime member of the Tomball VFW Auxiliary and proudly served as a Guard for many years.

Carol was known for her friendly nature and her remarkable memory. She never forgot a name, a birthday, who someone was married to, or the names of their pets. She remembered every friend her niece Rebekah ever introduced her to and often asked about them years later. Her incredible memory also extended to country music, and she could name songs and artists with ease - George Strait was her favorite.

Carol loved to dance, play bingo, bowl, sing karaoke, make crafts, go to the movies, and travel with family and friends.

Later in life, Carol showed extraordinary strength in surviving anaplastic large T-cell systemic malignant lymphoma for over eight years. In her final days, she was surrounded by love, with her sister and niece by her side, and found joy telling stories and laughing at videos of her favorite dogs.

Carol is survived by her sister, Patricia Gilbert Parks, and her niece, Rebekah Parks. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie Mae Bernice (Hoffmeister) Gilbert and Roy Junior Gilbert, and her brother, Ronald James Gilbert.

Carol will be remembered for her joy, determination, and the quiet but powerful way she made people feel known and valued. Her life was full, meaningful, and deeply loved.

To honor Carol's life and the joy she found there, memorial donations may be made to Treasures of Joy, 15302 Stuebner Airline Road, Houston, Texas 77069. www.treasuresofjoy.org