Gilbert, Esther Marie , age 93, of Birmingham, AL, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009. She was born in Bayview Washington. She grew up in Monroe WA where she graduated high school as salutatorian of the Class of 1933. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1937 with a B.S. in Education. After teaching in various parts of the country, her family moved to Fairfield, AL in 1958 where she taught at Ensley High School and retired in 1980. She was a faithful member of Fairfield Baptist Church where she was an active member of the "Young at Hearts" group. Funeral Services will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with burial in Valhalla Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Gilbert of Fairfield. She is survived by two sons, Tommy (Cindy) Gilbert and Steve (Gloria) Gilbert and four grandchildren, Kyle, Jennifer and Eric Gilbert and Emily Hayes (Brian). The family would like to extend special thanks to caretakers at Southhaven Nursing Home and Comfort Care Hospice.