Obituary of Rihana Danielle Gilbert

Rihana Danielle Gilbert, 46, of Ashtabula, tragically passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023. She was born February 21, 1977 in Ashtabula, the daughter of John and Marilyn (Brown) Gilbert and had lived her entire life in the Cleveland and Ashtabula area. A 1995 graduate of Ashtabula High School, she was the Panther mascot with the cheer squad for a couple years and played many different sports, always looking to try something new. After high school, she worked many different jobs and had obtained her STNA license and Chef’s license before following through with her dream as an entrepreneur and opening her own cleaning business, Justin Time (named after her fiance’ Justin Ward). Rihana had the gift of gab and was an excellent writer. She specialized in poetry and published a book, “90 days of Poetic Therapy.” A woman of great character, she was always so kind and sought to help others before herself. A survivor of domestic violence, she never let any of life’s challenges keep her down or define her; she put her love back into her family, friends, community, her poetry, and her passion – her daughters and granddaughter who were her greatest loves in the world. Rihana appreciated the simple things in life. She loved a cup of coffee, Pepsi, Taco Bell (not too spicy), and Lay’s plain potato chips. She was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan and loved a good bargain, always shopping at thrift stores and yard sales and proud of the fact she never paid full price for anything! She leaves behind many great memories and will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched. Her survivors include her two daughters, Ta’la Calloway and Kimora Calloway, both of Ashtabula; a granddaughter, Noh’mi Calloway; her mother and step-father, Marilyn and John Jackson; her father, John Gilbert; her fiance’, Justin Ward and his daughter, Mady Kordupel and their entire family; the father of her children, Jeff Calloway; her half-brother, Sal Jackson; her bonus grandma, Linda Hanna; her dear friend Leann Cooper and the Squad; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were all special to her. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Effie and Thomas Gilbert and Helen and Frank Brown. Calling hours will be held from 4-7PM on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula and at Peoples Missionary Baptist Church, 3837 West Avenue, Ashtabula on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 10-11AM with a service to follow at 11AM. Rev. Willie Henry, Pastor of Central Missionary Baptist Church in Jefferson will officiate. Burial will be in Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Ashtabula. THE FAMILY ASKS EVERYONE ATTENDING SERVICES TO WEAR BRIGHT COLORS TO CELEBRATE THE BRIGHT LIGHT SHE ALWAYS SHINED ON OTHERS. Contributions may be made to the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 Prospect Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004 who is assisting the family with final arrangements. www.ducro.com