Gladys Gilmore
Mrs. Gladys Gilmore was not only a real life rock of Gibraltar, she was a special woman hand crafted by God. On loan for the short years she spent on this earth, she always poured unselfishly into the lives of others. She lived to see 92 years of invested life and a legacy passed down which will never be forgotten. Her ‘sunrise’ came on July 17, 1925. Her ‘sunset’ took place on September 12, 2017.
Born Gladys Patton s in Maury County, Tenn. in 1925, she moved to Nashville, Tenn. early in her childhood with her parents. Gladys was educated in the Nashville Public School System and graduated from the great Pearl High School. Later in life she met and married her late husband, Harry Gilmore, Sr. Together they had one son, Harry Gilmore, Jr. They enjoyed a happy, Christ-filled life.
This woman of God and grace was a master cook who loved working in the yard and listening to music, especially the Blues. She kept an immaculate home, and also enjoyed traveling and spending precious time with family and friends. She joined the Gospel United Baptist Church, dutifully serving under the Christian leadership of Reverends Thomas Easley, Hal Robinson and Earnest Norman.
Until she became ill, she was a faithful member of the Usher Board and also served as a Pastor’s Aide. Early during her time of illness, she lived with her son Harry, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Tenn. state Rep. Brenda Gilmore. The last five years, Mrs. Gilmore was a resident at the Bordeaux Long Term Care Facility. It is now known as the Signature Health Care Facility.
Mrs. Gilmore was preceded in death by parents, James ‘Doc’ Patton and Mary Alice Prowell; and brother, James Patton. She is survived by son, Harry Jr. (Brenda); granddaughter, Erica Gilmore; great-granddaughter, Anyah Le Gilmore Jones; and loving one sister, Edna Fitzgerald. Nieces include: Norma Jean Jackson (Tommie) Smith of Chicago, Ill.; Shirley Johnson; Christine (Patrick) Davis; Tamoosa Patton; Lashunda Patton; and nephew Phillip (Tonya) Patton. Cousins include: Mattie Bea Readus and Bessie Black. Among the numerous close and dedicated friends were: John Cunningham, Kimmie Jackson, Henrietta Cunningham and Christie Miller. She was also survived by a myriad of Nashvillians hailing from various walks of life, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Smith Funeral Directors, Inc., 706 Monroe St., Nashville, handled the arrangements. The final services were held at Beech Creek Baptist Church, 3101 Curtis St. Countless attendees filled the church. The home going services ran with seamless attention to detail.
Beech Creek Baptist Church Deacon David Jones delivered the Invocation. Scripture followed by Chicago niece, Evangelist Norma Jean Jackson Smith. Rev. Curtis Bender, Rev. Cordell Simpson (8th Street Baptist Church) and Rev. Hal Robinson (Mt. Moriah Baptist Church) all offered comforting words.
Before granddaughter and Nashville Councilwoman-at-Large Erica Gilmore presented a proud tribute, Albert White rendered a solo. There were more musical selections from the host church, followed by Rev. David Tucker, senior pastor, Beech Creek Baptist Church, and the officiant, who spoke a memorable eulogy.
Before the benediction and processional were delivered, Beech Creek Baptist Church provided more comforting music.
The first class home going services included a heartfelt, powerful tribute titled ‘I’m Free,’ which no doubt represented her with well earned respect and character. It follows:
“I’m free. Don’t grieve for me now, I’m free; I am following the path that God has laid you see. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all.
“I could not stay another day, to laugh to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found the peace at the close of day.
“If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss, oh yes these things too I will miss.
“Be burdened not with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life has been full; I savored much. Good friends, good times, and a loved one’s touch.
“Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee. God wanted me now; he set me free” — author unknown.
Some of her nieces acted as flower bearers, and members of the Untouchables Civic Club were pallbearers. She was given final rites and ultimately laid to rest at Greenwood West Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn.
Gladys Gilmore lead a well-rounded, joyously full life. Although she is gone, she certainly won’t be forgotten.
