Mrs. Judy Mae Gilbert, 71, of Jasper, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in the comfort of her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Judy entered this life on September 8, 1949, in Neosho, Missouri, daughter of the late Doyle and Sarah Bell (Evans) Cooper. She was raised in Joplin, Missouri and was a 1967 graduate of Joplin High School. On September 27, 1968, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Joplin, she was united in marriage to Vern Gilbert and to this union three children were born. She and Vern purchased Babe’s Drive In in 1977, working along side her husband until passing the business on to their daughter in 2003. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, cooking, swimming, going to the lake and gardening. Judy was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Joplin. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, George Cooper. Judy is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, Vern Gilbert of the home; three children, Lisa Lassiter and husband, Jack, Amy Gayler and husband, Zach and Eric Gilbert and fiancé, Shelby Williams, all of Jasper; nine grandchildren, Blake, Austin, Devyn, Autumn, Katelyn, Dantley, Sarah, Bentley and Skyley; four great grandchildren, Mickel, Myles, Taylee and Isabelle; a sister, Mary Gregory of Carthage; a brother, Jay Cooper of Webb City; as well as a host of other family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.