Jennifer Susan Gilbert (16 Feb 1943 - 4 Jan 2026)

Jenny, a beloved mother, devoted teacher, and pillar of the Tamworth community, passed away peacefully at home on 4th January.

Born in 1943, Jenny spent her formative years in the village of Elford, with her sister Penny. It was there she developed her lifelong love for the outdoors and the English countryside. In 1976, she married John, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned four decades until John passed in 2011. Together, they moved to Tamworth, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

A natural educator, Jenny dedicated her professional life to teaching, shaping the minds and characters of countless children. Jenny completed her primary teacher training at St Hild's College at Durham University between 1961 and 1964 and spoke fondly of her time there. Her passion for youth development extended far beyond the classroom. As a dedicated Brown Owl, she spent many years leading the 2nd Coton Green Brownies and rainbows, providing mentorship and adventure to young girls in the community.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Jenny was a lifelong attendee at church, a member of the choir, PCC and Synod, and a church warden. She was a regular reader of the lesson, handing out books and making coffee and anything else that would support the church, she served her congregation with tireless devotion.

She was also a proud and active member of the Women’s Institute (WI), where she cherished the friendship and shared purpose of her fellow members.

Jenny found joys in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid gardener who could bring any bloom to life and a passionate walker who found peace in the great outdoors. Above all, she was a woman who loved her children, and grandchildren, and was profoundly dedicated to her family. She is survived by her loving children, Rebecca and Andrew, and Grandchildren Alice and Rory, and a community that is better for her many years of service. Her legacy of kindness, her incredible amount of work for young people, and her unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at Elford Church on Monday 16th February at 2.30pm, which would be Jenny's 83rd Birthday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Girlguiding via this page.