Bessie Elizabeth Gilbert-Girtman, 84 of Augusta, GA, for the past five and half years, died Wednesday, May 9, 2012 in Augusta. She was a former resident of Hamburg, AR but lived in the Old Crossett Camp Community. Elizabeth was a homemaker, served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Secretary for the Mission, and was a faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in the Old Crossett Camp Community until she moved to Augusta, she then united with Whole Life Ministry where she was a faithful member until her passing. Elizabeth enjoyed reading books of the Bible, listening to gospel music and enjoyed shopping and eating. She was a devoted and loving mother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius Girtman in 1994, her parent, Hunter and Nettie Yarbrough-Gilbert, daughter, Annie Mae Cook, one brother, Hunter Fred Gilbert, and one sister Tearse Collins.

She is survived by three sons, Cornelius Girtman, Jr. of Crossett, AR, Dennis Girtman, wife Carolyn of Eldorado, AR, and Donald Girtman of Hamburg, AR, four daughters, Francis Robinson of San Francisco, CA, Julia Merritt of Pine Bluff, AR, Brenda Martin, husband Ronald of Augusta, GA, and Debra Sodie of Colony, TX, three brother, Curtis Terry Gilbert, wife Sarah of Arkansas City, AR, Laurel Dean Gilbert of Akron, OH, Willie "Sonny Man" Shaw, wife Sallie of Carthage, AR, five sisters, Jerlene Griffin, husband Warren of Crossett, AR, Clara Mae Durley of Milwaukee, WI, Linda Mateen of Hallandale Beach, FL, Nancy Gilbert of Cleveland, OH, Gerry Millings, husband Norman of Coply, OH, ten grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.

Funeral service will be Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Old Crossett Camp Community) south of Hamburg with Rev. Gregory Taylor, and Rev. Greg Baker officiating. Pallbearers are James Canady, Bruce Wright, Nathan Girtman, J.P. Wright, Joe Haynes, and Clarence Haynes. Visitation is Friday, May 18, 2012 from 6-7:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Burial in Nimmons Cemetery under the directions of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, AR.