Gilberta Estella Dulin-Mckoy

Ms. Gilberta Dulin-McKoy is the daughter of the late James Baker and Augusta Armstrong. She was born in Nashville, TN in Meharry Hospital on August 3, 1932. Five years after her birth, she and her only sister, Bobbie, were orphaned by the death of their mother. Thus began the journey of two sisters between relatives in multiple states.

Born to a family that strongly believed in children's education, Gilberta attended Gladstone Elementary in Cleveland, OH when she lived with her aunt. She then returned to Nashville with her beloved grandparents and attended Haynes High School. There, she was a respected member of the school newspaper staff. Upon graduation in 1949, she enrolled in Tennessee State College to pursue her true aspiration to become a nurse and work in the medical field. She later attended the Joseph Spalding School of Nursing in Louisville, KY after meeting Mr. Charles E. Dulin in 1950. The two were married until 1961. Out of this union, she birthed five beautiful children. They all were to become her life and her legacy.

Later, in 1971, she married Andrew J. McKoy, a military man, whom she describes as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Ms. Gilberta Dulin-McKoy leaves to share and rejoice in her memory five children; her three sons, Donald E. (Kathy), Alan R. (Vernon), and Bruce Dulin, and two loving daughters, Shawn Dulin-Rodgers (Gary) and Pamela Dulin; four bonus children, Patricia Bell, Shellee, James and Charles Dulin Jr.; twenty-five grandchildren, Gary Rodgers Jr. (Erika), Rikita Ralston, Jennifer Mulligan, Kim Calvin (Montez), Donald Dulin Jr. (Donna), Kristen Gentry (Joseph), Natascha Dulin-Christoph, Julian (Charles), Jonika (Tymon) and Shawn Dulin, Bruce and Bryan Wilson (Stacey), Christa Glenn (Chris), Sylvan (Brittany), Lauren, Martin (Christina), Bruce Jr., Tanner, Christopher, Latonya, and Ashley Dulin, Carl, Reggie and Glen Bell, Brandon and Paige Miller, and Natasha Dulin; 61 great-grandchildren, a host of great-great grandchildren, and many godchildren, including James "J.R." Hampton and his family who held a special place in her heart.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Andrew J. McKoy, beloved sister, Bobbie Tufts; great-grandson, Bryan Wilson Jr., "Cousin-Brother" George Davis Sr., special cousins Betty, Dorothy, Junior, Phyllis, and Celeste, as well as her bonus children, Sherrie, James, Charles Dulin Jr., and bonus granddaughter, Charlotte Harper. Each of whom she loved deeply. 

Gilberta's desire was to be a part of a huge loving family. She worked hard caring for this dynasty of her making and God's power. As evidenced by this brief overview of her legacy, she mothered generations of people whom she loved unconditionally, and they loved her.

"Mom lived her life for love of friends and family. Neither asking for nor wanting a return. Her days became a sunlit homily, with others' joy her joy and main concern.
When we were ill, she also became sick; when we were cut, she, too, began to bleed. Of our oil lamp she was the wick, drawing her bright flame from our need.
Some say that such behavior's out of date: that self-fulfillment is the way to grace. But Mom, without much choice, then chose her fate, finding greater truth in an embrace.
She lives on in the sparkle in our eyes: Laughing, quiet, gentle, loving and wise. "
Author Unknown.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions ~ Southwest Louisville Chapel 10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40272. Gilberta's celebration of life service will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the funeral home. An Inurnment will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, 6980 Danville Road, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356.

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The service will be livestreamed at the time designated above. To view the live stream  click here.