Others Magazine

Major Mavis Gilbert was promoted to glory on 10 January 2021 from her home at Riverview Gardens, Queensland, aged 90.

Mavis was born on 21 June 1930. In 1955, she entered The Salvation Army Training College in Sydney from Campsie Corps, joining the Soul-Winners session of cadets.

From college, Mavis was appointed to the Riverview Training Farm (1956) followed by 12 months at Bexley Boys Home (NSW). From here she entered corps work, first as assistant officer at Hay Corps (NSW) for four months, then as corps officer at Shortland Corps (NSW) for 19 months (May 1958 to Jan 1960).

Next, she was the assistant officer at Grafton Corps with responsibility for South Grafton Corps (1960-61), corps officer at Griffith Corps (1962–64), a couple of months at Woodburn Corps (NSW), then corps officer at Woolloongabba Corps (Qld) in 1965-66).

In March 1966, Mavis resigned from officership but was reaccepted 12 months later in April 1967 and appointed to Griffith Corps again. In 1968, Mavis moved again, this time to the assistant officer role at Goulburn Corps with responsibility for nearby Crookwell Corps (1968-9) and from there had yearly moves as corps officer of Wauchope (NSW) in 1970, Merewether (NSW) in 1971 and then Casino (NSW) in 1972.

In 1973, Mavis was appointed to Samaritan House, Sydney, and in 1974, to Sydney Peoples Palace. In April 1977, Mavis was appointed matron of Brisbane Peoples Palace, a position she held until June 1979 when she returned to corps work, firstly at Parkes (NSW) from June 1979 to 1982, then Bega (NSW) from 1982 to 1986), associate officer at Wagga Wagga (NSW) in 1987 and then her last active appointment was as corps officer at Murgon (Qld) from 1988 to 1990.

Major Mavis Gilbert was honourably retired from active service on 1 July 1990 having completed 33 years of active service for God and The Salvation Army. Well done good and faithful servant.

In retirement, Mavis enjoyed making new friends at Riverview Gardens, gardening, craft, writing and entertaining in her unit. She enjoyed active involvement at Bundamba Corps, where she was involved with Home League, collecting at the monthly race meetings, and acting as chaplain to the Boys’ Legion. Mavis had been a cub scout leader before leaving for college. She and her great friend Major Mary Farr attended both Sunday meetings and the evening prayer meeting every Sunday, until they moved into higher care.

Mavis enjoyed the ministry of the band, and became a band helper, supporting as needed on her cornet. She was a loyal and dedicated soldier of Bundamba Corps for 30 years.

Our love, sympathy and prayers are with friends honouring Mavis’ life.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

The funeral service for Major Mavis Gilbert was be held on Monday 18 January at The Salvation Army Bundamba Corps, conducted by Major Rodney Strong.