Crestview Mourns Loss of Nellie Gilbert-Skinner, 91, Community Pillar and Longtime Resident

Crestview lost a cherished community member with the passing of Nellie Gilbert-Skinner, who died at her home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Mrs. Gilbert-Skinner, 91, was a dedicated figure in Crestview for decades, known for her deep faith, family devotion, and culinary talents.

Mrs. Gilbert-Skinner's life in Crestview began in 1949 when her family moved to the city. She graduated from Carver-Hill School in 1952 and married James Allen Skinner on October 20, 1952. Their marriage spanned 72 years until Mr. Skinner's passing on August 31, 2025. Her commitment to her church and community left a lasting impact on many residents.

Born on September 15, 1934, in Uriah, Alabama, Nellie Lee Gilbert spent her early years in Rome and Andalusia, Alabama, before settling in Crestview. Her husband's military career led them to various Air Force bases, including Shaw AFB in South Carolina, Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington, where their two children were born, Glasgow AFB in Montana, and George AFB in California. She returned to Crestview in 1969 and remained a fixture in the community.

A devout member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Gilbert-Skinner served in numerous capacities, including as an usher, and participated in Sunday School, Bible Study, and the Senior Women’s Ministry. She also assisted the kitchen committee for Community Development Committee Senior Luncheons and supported the decorating committee. Professionally, she worked at Shaw Moving & Storage Company, the Holiday Inn, and later as a cafeteria worker for the Okaloosa County School District at Bob Sikes Elementary School.

Mrs. Gilbert-Skinner was particularly renowned for her bread pudding and chocolate cake, which were much-requested by family and friends. She is survived by her children, Valerie McLaughlin and Bernard Skinner; her goddaughter, Katrinia Stakley Hamilton; her sister, Tommyne James; five grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Allen Skinner, her parents, Tommie and Pearlie Finley Gilbert, her sister, Eliza Mae Gilbert Edwards, and her brothers, Claudie Gilbert and Wilburt “Pete” Gilbert.