On Friday morning of December 22, 2023, Melissa Gilbert of Gainesville, Texas was welcomed into the arms of Christ at Mercy Hospital at the age of 66.

The youngest of five children, Melissa was born to Bonna Maura Burr (Cason) and Philip Asher Burr on January 20, 1957, in Gainesville, TX. Her family primarily resided here all throughout her childhood and adolescent years. However, once Melissa was of age she moved to Duncan, OK, and later went on to live in Yukon, OK where she met the love of her life, Jerald "Jerry" Gilbert, M.D. at the Gilbert Medical Center. Shortly after, she began working alongside him as his unofficial nurse. On December 20, 1991, she and Jerry got married and continued to spend the next few years in Oklahoma City where they would often get together with friends and family. During this time, Melissa was pursuing a Bachelor's degree in psychology, however (despite being 1 credit short) chose to forgo this goal when she and Jerry moved to Ada, OK. She spent the rest of her life devoting herself to being a loving wife and mother, and was loved by all that knew her.

Melissa's Life Verse was Proverbs 3:5, which says "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, Philip Asher and Bonna Burr; her older brother, Steve Burr; and her husband, Jerry Gilbert.

Melissa is survived by her children, Jennifer Beringer and her husband Michael Beringer, Brad Heimer and his wife Sarah Heimer, Belle Gilbert, Ashley Gilbert; 3 step-children; 3 grandchildren and 6 step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Huey Burr, Phylis Shirley, and Doug Burr; as well as 4 nieces and 8 nephews.