Clarence "Dexter" Gilbert was born on March 31, 1962, to Augustus and Edna Gilbert (predeceased) in the District of Siparia, Trinidad, W.I.  Clarence was the youngest of 5 children from this union, which included Charles "Charlie", Selwyn "Bobby" (predeceased), Walter, and Carol. Dexter and his family migrated to Brooklyn, New York on October 23, 1967.

Dexter received his formal education at Public School 181, Walt Whitman Middle School, and Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, NY.   When he was younger, Dexter helped his father with several projects for the family company, as Gilbert Home Improvements, with Hanson Place Seventh-Day Adventist Church serving as one of his notable accomplishments.  He would frequently chant the phrase "No Job Too Big, No Job Too Small, Gilbert Home Improvements does it all."

Dexter enjoyed running and riding his bike with his friends Ashton and Professor. He was referred to as "Clarence, Dexter, D or whatever his said name was." Dexter cherished the time he spent with his wife and loved ones. Dexter proudly looked after his grandchild, nieces, and nephews.  Dexter enjoyed making people laugh despite his shyness.

Dexter was predeceased by his brother Selwyn, as well as by his parents Edna and Augustus. Dexter leaves to cherish and mourn his memory Hazel Gilbert, his devoted wife of thirty years, his daughter Shannon, his grandson Sabastian, his brothers Charles, and Walter (Hazel), and sister Carol. Along with his Brothers-in-Law: Selwyn Matthew, Selvon Matthew (Diane), Kurvin Matthew (Tricia), Nephews: Jamel, Abdul (Tausha), Charles, Carl, Jerrell, and James, Akil, Kareem, Tyler.  Nieces: Brandy (James) and Tiera; a host of great-grand nephews and nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles, and devoted friends who became family.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4: 7, 8

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the funeral home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.