Shirley Jean McCombs Gillmore

Jean was born on Nov 5, 1936, in Jefferson County, Alabama, and passed away on December 6, 2023, in Alexandria, Virginia. Her parents Staley and Lucille McCombs were lifelong Alabama residents. Attending public school, Jean graduated as Salutatorian of her class.

In 1966 she married James P. Gillmore, MD, and was unexpectedly widowed shortly afterwards. One statement might best describe Shirley Jean throughout her life: She persevered under very difficult circumstances.

Moving to Alexandria, Virginia, she had a 49-year career at the U.S. Department of State. Despite the distance, she always looked forward to the Christmas holiday visits with family in Alabama. Jean never missed sending greeting cards—birthdays, holidays, graduations, etc. She always took the time to remember loved ones. She also loved receiving cards. Cards and notes help dispel loneliness.

Jean enjoyed reading, traveling, good food and touches of beauty in God’s creation. Her love of travel enabled her to tour England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Monaco, and North America destinations—Canada, Mexico and numerous U.S. cities.

At age 87, Jean still lived alone and took care of daily responsibilities. She handled her finances, drove her car (though limited distances) and left direction for her sister as to the scriptures she wished to be read at her memorial service and selected the hymns as well. Jean was a Christian and Baptist by faith. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her sister Pat Love (Dennis); her brothers Wayne McCombs; Gary McCombs (Julia); and her sister Lynn McCombs. She is also survived by three nieces, a nephew, and several great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, with burial at Liberty Minter Cemetery, Morris, Alabama.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the friends at the U.S. Department of State for their decades of love and kindness expressed to our sister.