Latoya Gilbert

Latoya “Toya” Gilbert-Harvey was born on July 19, 1988, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Gregory Lewis Harvey of Greensboro, North Carolina, son of Randolph Bayes and Shirley Bayes, and Karen Denise Gilbert-Morton of Lynchburg. From day one, Toya had a personality that filled every room—bold, loving, funny, and unapologetically herself. 

No matter what life threw her way, including her illness, Toya never let it steal her spirit. She still cracked jokes, spoke her mind, and kept that same familiar attitude that everyone knew and loved. If you knew Toya, you knew her laugh, her honesty, and her ability to find humor even when things weren’t easy. She refused to let her struggles define her character—and trust us, she definitely let you know when something wasn’t right, illness or not. 

Toya loved her family deeply and fiercely. Being a mother to her son, Jymiq Gilbert of Lynchburg, and her daughter, Amiya Florence of Greensboro, North Carolina, was one of her greatest joys. She was protective, devoted, and endlessly proud of her children, always making sure they felt her love—even if it came with a little humor and tough love mixed in. 

She is survived by her parents; her siblings Lyvic Gilbert and Marques Gilbert of Lynchburg; Teneka Gilbert of Greensboro, North Carolina; Shakkia Turner; Kyah Harvey; and Kamyah Harvey; her grandparents Roger and Shirley Gilbert of Lynchburg, and Randolph Bayes and Shirley Bayes; her close friend, Porshe Chambers of Concord; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were lucky enough to experience her wit and warmth.

Toya was a soldier in every sense of the word— strong, resilient, and unbreakable in spirit. Though she fought hard, she now rests peacefully, free from pain, free from the fight, and probably already making everyone laugh wherever she is. Her humor, love, and unmistakable personality will forever live on in the stories, laughter, and memories she leaves behind.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.