Maggie Stevens Gilbert, 86, departed this life on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama. Maggie was born in Edgefield, South Carolina on September 11, 1937, to the late Felix Stevens, Sr. and Anna Rearden Stevens.

Maggie attended the public schools of Edgefield, South Carolina and graduated from Edgefield County Training School in 1955. She continued her education at South Carolina State University and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Service.

At an early age, Maggie joined Willow Spring Baptist Church in Edgefield where she served faithfully for many years. After moving to Greenwood, South Carolina she attended and served at Morris Chapel Baptist Church.

Maggie's career in education began at Edgewood High School in Ninety-Six, South Carolina where she served as a librarian. She later taught English at W. E. Parker in Edgefield, South Carolina. In 1967, Maggie accepted a position as a librarian at Greenwood High School in Greenwood, South Carolina, becoming the first person of color to be hired in a certified position at the school. She remained in that position until she retired due to a disabling stroke in 1990.

In addition to her parents, Maggie was predeceased by a brother, Felix Stevens, Jr., and a grandson.

She is survived by a daughter, Edris (Claiborne) Davis of Montgomery, Alabama, a son, Otis (Thea) Gilbert, Jr. of Terre Haute, Indiana, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one aunt; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Willow Spring Baptist Church with the Reverend Anthony Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in the Willow Spring Baptist Church Cemetery. A viewing will be held at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. in Montgomery, Alabama on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM and at G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary in Edgefield, South Carolina on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM.

Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. and G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary are assisting the family with arrangements.