Grace Thornton Gilmore (age 82) was born September 23, 1930 in Newton County, Mississippi. Her younger years were spent in Conehatta and Union, Mississippi. She learned to love and accept Jesus Christ as her Savior from the example of her parents Henry and Eula Thornton while attending Lucern Church of God. Because of her life of Christ-like service and hospitality to others, she was known by those who met her as "Amazing Grace".
Grace married the love of her life George Buck Gilmore on April 9, 1946. They have lived in Jackson since 1949. Grace and George shared a love story like no other for over sixty-six years. Their deep abiding love was evident to all. Grace leaves her epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character.
Her greatest passions were sharing Christ while serving others - especially her family of whom she had great pride. Grace never missed an opportunity to share the love of God with her family or those she met. Their home was a gathering spot for friends and family who felt loved and welcomed unconditionally.
Her life was devoted to her husband, George Buck Gilmore, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, sisters, brothers, cousins and every family member.
She is survived by George Buck Gilmore husband; daughter Jan and husband Dwight Morrison; their children Lane Morrison; Jennifer Ersin and her husband Deniz and their son Benjamin Ersin. Daughter Lisa and husband Allen Hudson; their children April Hudson and Cal Hudson.
We wish to honor her accomplishments: licensed cosmetologist achieving the status of Designer where she worked at Kennington’s and Wilburn’s House of Beauty, licensed Real Estate salesman, President, Home Builders Ladies Auxiliary, presided over Ladies Luncheon at State Conventions , contributing writer for monthly newsletter, Spikette with the Home Builders Association, member Jackson Exchange Club, President of Jackson Federation of Womens Club, where she was influential in awarding scholarships and encouraging Hinds Junior College students.
Active in Baptist Church life since moving to Jackson, always in choir, working with youth, known among friends as "Meals on Wheels", co-taught with her husband in Training Union. She never missed an opportunity to talk -especially about her love of Christ, her family and innumerable friends. The most descriptive words from those she encountered were that she was so happy, was able to make the most out of each day and had a zest and love for life. She truly treasured life, and lived her life to the very fullest. She always had a plan and made sure she set and achieved goals each and every day. She embodied every virtue of Proverbs 31 and 1Corinthians 13.
Grace’s granddaughter Jennifer Ersin shared "A childhood filled with laughter and wonder, that is what she gave me. She taught me how to live, how to love, how to be faithful to and have the utmost faith in my friends, in my family and most importantly in my God. She taught me by example, to be brave, to be strong, to be thankful and simply to "be”. For in Granny’s life there was no boredom, no reason to kill time, no reason not to be doing something. There was always a cake to be baked, a party to be thrown, a friend to be called, a card game to be played, a shopping trip to be taken, a great-grandson to see, a grandchild to be loved, a child to be cherished or a husband to be kissed”.
Grace’s granddaughter April had these words to share: in the last few weeks my granny said “ This isn’t our home”. I said well, you’ve lived here for 46 years! She said “I guess so, but our real house is this huge mansion”. Granny was getting ready to go to Heaven. Granny always encouraged me to never give up on my dreams and to love like there is no tomorrow.
Grace’s grandson Cal Hudson said “She always believed in me and was a great encourager and I knew that she always loved me.”
In lieu of flowers the family wishes that you make a donation to your charity of choice and in honor of a request by Grace, please wear bright colors to the funeral service. Visitation will be 4-7pm today at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral services will be 1:00pm Friday January 11, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Jackson preceded by visitation at 12 Noon. Burial will follow in Lakewood Memorial Park.
For on-line condolences go to www.wrightferguson.com.
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