Harriett Gilbreath

Harriett Brown Gilbreath, 95, passed away peacefully on March 4th, 2023.  Harriett was born November 25th,1927 in Bradford, PA.

Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, Lynton Gilbreath, and her son Robert Gilbreath.

Harriett is survived by four children: Paul Gilbreath (Karen) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, James Gilbreath (Deanna) of DeSoto, Wisconsin, Michael Gilbreath of Ft. Worth, Texas and Mary Jane Gilbreath of Indio, California; 6 grandchildren: Taylor Gilbreath (Jill), Ali Gilbreath, Evan Gilbreath, Scott Gilbreath, Margaret Gilbreath, and Kerri Land; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Harriett had a long career in real estate that spanned over forty years.  She began in the Ft. Lauderdale area, then moved to Miami Shores and became a co-owner of Laura McCarthy, Inc.  After relocating to Pensacola in 1995 to retire, she realized retirement was not for her.  She joined JME Realty, Inc/Coldwell Banker United as a Sales Manager.  She was instrumental in managing the development and sales for Santa Rosa Towers and Emerald Dolphin condos on Pensacola Beach. She was affectionately called “Mother” by many sales managers that she took under her wings.

After really retiring in 2008, she began serving as an Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church as well as St. Ann’s Catholic Church.  She became very active with the hospitality committee and study groups at her church.  She volunteered as an usher at the Saenger Theatre and helped sort food regularly at Manna Food Pantries.  You could also find her multiple times a week at the downtown YMCA in water exercise classes.

She loved to travel and made many trips stateside and internationally with her daughter and took several cruises with her “golden girls” friends.

When asked how one would describe Harriett words like strong, determined, independent, one who perseveres, faithful, caring, generous, and going the extra mile for those she took under her care come to mind.  She was an amazing woman, businesswoman, mother, grandmother and friend.  She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the many friends that checked on her regularly and took her to church events, lunch and other social outings.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church on Pensacola Beach Thursday, March 30th at 11:00am with a reception to follow.  A private burial service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Harriett’s memory to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church on Pensacola Beach.