Mary M. Gilman

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold D. Gilman. She is survived by her sister, Bette Oliver; two sons, Mike Gilman and wife, Shar, Teddy Gilman and wife Sharon; her daughter, Patricia G. Vaughan and husband, Jack; her grandchildren, Jack Gilman Vaughan, Meredith Elizabeth Vaughan, and Richard Todd Gilman and his wife Suzanne; and her great grandchildren, Matthew Vaughan Jackson, Darien Sokolov, Nia Sokolov, and Kyla Gilman.

Mary devoted her life to her husband, her three children, and her grandchildren. Her stature was small but her heart and spirit were enormous; her smile and laugh infectious. There was nothing she would not do for her family. Nanny was the grandmother every child dreams about. She was always joyful, and kind, and fun. She was constantly thinking up new games and activities for her grandchildren…scavenger hunts, ‘kids’ poker’ on Sunday mornings, swimming at night. She had an affinity for scary movies, with chocolate pudding, that she and her granddaughter shared as their favorite Saturday night activity together. Her home, and being with her, was one of the highlights of our childhood years and continued well into each of our adult years. She was a trusted ear we could call on anytime, and she was fierce in her love for each one of us.

Mary/Nanny was a constant presence and a source of comfort, unconditional love and joy. She was the matriarch of our family… the queen… and the fairy godmother. She was the glue that held us all together. She was the most loved mother and grandmother in the world. She gave us all so much love, and we will forever keep her loving spirit in our hearts.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 15th of February, in the Chapel of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where the Rev. Bill Denham, Pastor of Care, Connecting, Prayer, and Traditional Worship, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Hines Baker Room.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Mary’s memory may be directed to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 22013, Houston, TX, 77227-2013.