Gilbert "Bertie" Penn's Obituary
Obituary of Gilbert "Bertie" Penn Please share a memory of Gilbert to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. View Tribute Book Gilbert Penn passed away on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at the age of 93. He is preceded in death by his parents, Usher and Rosalind Penn; wife, Lucy Ann Penn; son, David Penn; and six of his siblings. Left to cherish Gilbert’s memory are his ex-wife, Anita Glasgow; his children and their spouses, Joseph and Ivel Frett, Albert and Iris Penn, Peggy Penn and husband Franklyn, Jones and Michele Penn, Robert Penn, Wilburn and Patricia Penn, Winston and Maria Penn, Alvin and Betty Penn, Kizzy Penn and husband Claude-George, Kacey Penn and husband Bryan Allen-Blyden, Shirley Frett, Hannah Glasgow, Earl Glasgow, Wayne and Olivia Glasgow, and Abigail and Oscar Edwards; forty two grandchildren; fifty five great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and a host of many other family and friends.Gilbert was admired by his community as a family man, and mentor of many young men in developing skills in building construction. He was well known and sought after for his high-quality work as a building contractor of private homes and commercial buildings, highways/roads throughout the British and US Virgin Islands. He built for the wealthy and for those less fortunate and in need. Gilbert participated in volunteer activities and contributed to churches and other organizations in the communities in which he resided.Gilbert knew how to relax and found great pleasure in shooting pool with family and friends on the weekend. His greatest passion and relaxation throughout his life was deep sea fishing and picking whelks along rocky seashores. He always had a boat of some kind, and many remembered his one-of-a-kind speed boat “Squall King” which was later replace with the “Lu Ann” a larger boat with living accommodation.Gilbert was always looking for opportunities to build something or improve the appearance of a structure. He was particular about connecting joints and details of the finished product.Gilbert enjoyed spending time with family and friends and traveled by land, sea and air to spend time with family and friends. He was a very generous person and often paid for meals and drinks for individuals in the restaurant he frequented. Gilbert was friendly and his winning smile drew people to him, and it didn’t take long before laughter breaks the silence as his humor came into play. As recently as last year Gilbert was still trying to construct patio, repairing roofs, fencing, and general repairs around the house. He had flourishing gardens of vegetables, tea bush, pumpkin squash, and sugar cane patches. He took pride in cleaning weeds and fertilizing around them while sitting on a bench. “Old man Penn”, as he often introduced himself, was a challenge to keep indoors as his health began to fail.Gilbert resided and visited family in the Unites States over the last twenty years. He had hopes to take a trip to Hawaii, but his health made it impossible. He expressed many times that he was happy and content with life. His favorite foods included but was not limited to, oatmeal, fish (Grouper, Red Snapper, & King fish), dumplings, fungi, casava, green banana, coconut tart.Gilbert had a testimony of having a meaningful relationship with God and spent time in the word, being able to recite several passages of scripture during our devotional times. He appeared and verbalized being at peace with his maker. Psalm 23 remained his bedtime scripture until the end.A Memorial Service to honor Gilbert’s life will be held at Clayton Funeral Home of Pearland on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at 10:00 am.
What’s your fondest memory of Gilbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gilbert?
Share a story where Gilbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gilbert you’ll never forget.
How did Gilbert make you smile?