Mary Frances Gilmore, 93, of Jackson, passed at Baptist Hospital June 21, 2019. She was preceded in death by (husband) Bill Gilmore of 67 years, (parents) Frank Raises and Irene Cruise, (sister) Reida, (brother-in-law) Malcolm Cornell and She is survived by (brothers) John and Frank Raises and their wives, (son) Ronny, his wife Susie, their children: Holly Pace, Joshua, Jeremy and Ronny Jr., (son) Rusty, his wife Beverly, their children: Paxton, Bobby, Tristan and Alex, and seven great grandchildren.
Frances was an ordained minister under the auspices of Christians for Messiah Fellowship of Ministers. She was a member of Crossgates Baptist Church Brandon, Mississippi and for years was with the Crossgates' hospital visitation. Throughout her life, she worked in various leadership positions as a secretary, treasurer and stenographer. She also served as State Auxiliary Chaplain with the Gideons and was State President of Women's Aglow International. Frances hosted her own radio program called "The Way For Today". She and her husband Bill founded "The Way For Today Ministries" in 1978 which is a missions outreach and benevolence non-profit organization.
Being mentored since childhood in Christian faith, Frances throughout her life operated as a spiritual warrior and intercessor, unafraid to invade the territories of darkness in prayer. Friends, international ministers, and family would attest she functioned in the gifting of prophecy and teaching. Frances was a spiritual mother and mentor to many. Her influence has literally circled the globe. A legendary prayer life graced her to discern and withstand injustice with sweet compassion for both the wounded and the offender. Her life’s goal was to see the glory of God manifest on earth - “Thy kingdom come” and “to God be the glory”. She warned us not to glorify her, but rather glorify the Lord. However, sharing a little of her story brings God glory, as it shows what God can accomplish through a willing, humble vessel. Frances’ great granddaughter Kelly Eutzler wrote what best typifies Frances Gilmore. “Matriarch, alpha, our lioness. If you knew her, you loved her. She was the strongest woman I have ever known. She fought harder than anyone I’ve ever met and fought for everyone she met. She taught us how to pray and was the most beautiful model of a lover of Jesus I have ever seen or known”. She will be forever missed - for she is irreplaceable.
