On September 22, 1920, John and Mamie Eskridge gave life to Mary Jewell Eskridge who was born in Cherryville, North Carolina. Mary was raised with her 4 sisters and 2 brothers. As a teenager, she graduated from John Chavis High School. While overcoming the many adversities African Americans faced in the South she remained steadfast in becoming a teacher. Mary attended Winston-Salem State University where in 1947 she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.
Her 1st teaching job was in Greensboro, Georgia it was there she met the love of her life. Later, they moved to Washington, DC. and on August 19, 1950 at Mount Airy Baptist Church in Washington DC, they became Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willis Gilmore. It did not take long for her to do what she loved. Mary was hired as an elementary school teacher in the Southeast area of the District of Columbia. Together Mary and Richard had 4 boys and 1 girl (Reginald – deceased, Darrick, Gerald- deceased, Eric, and Margo).
Mary joined and faithfully attended the First Baptist Church of Deanwood where she joined the Willing Workers and continued to do God’s work. In 1975 she received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity College in Washington DC. In 1990 she received the Congressional Medal of Honor for giving 30 years of dedicated service to the teaching profession.
Mary enjoyed family, baking her delicious cakes, sweet potato pies, Sunday morning homemade biscuits before going to church, dancing, listening to music, walking 3 - 4 times a week, and preparing for the Holidays. Her traditions included decorating the house for Christmas, coloring Easter Eggs and making Easter Baskets, giving out candy for Halloween, and hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for our family.
Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 70 years Richard Willis Gilmore.
Mary leaves a strong legacy to cherish her memory, 3 children Darrick Gilmore (spouse - Sandra), Eric Gilmore, Margo Reynolds (spouse - Kenny); 10 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law Betty Gilmore, one brother-in-law JC Thompson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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