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Emma Gilmore Obituary
Norwalk Educator
Emma Brantley Gilmore, age 95, the beloved wife of the late William M. Gilmore, Sr., passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2014 in Southport, CT. Born Emma Louise Brantley on August 7, 1918 to the late Carrie Bessie Hayes-Brantley and Garnet Henderson Brantley in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mrs. Gilmore grew up in New Jersey. She was a graduate of Abraham Clark High School and received her B.S. in Education in 1941 from Cheyney State Teacher's College and her M.A. in Education in 1961 from Columbia University.
Mrs. Gilmore was the first African American Teacher in the Roselle, NJ school system. In 1954, the family moved to Norwalk and Emma continued her outstanding teaching career. Emma Gilmore was an exceptional educator, recognized for her energy, enthusiasm, courage, creative methods and total dedication to her students. She believed in the potential of each child and was totally committed to their success. Emma was a leader among her peers, mentored many young teachers and advocated for excellence in education with the Norwalk Education Association for over forty years.
Mrs. Gilmore was a lifetime member and President of the Church Women of the Norwalk United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Fairfield County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; an active community volunteer for the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Girl Scouts and many other groups. Mrs. Gilmore also founded and for years directed a town wide celebration in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..
She is survived by her devoted son, Thomas C. Gilmore of Norwalk; her nephew, Glenn Brantley and his wife, Muriel; nieces Carol, Francena and Janet Brantley and many grand nephews and grand nieces. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, William and her two brothers and sisters.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of her Life on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 718 West Avenue in Norwalk. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Calling hours are private.
The family of Mrs. Gilmore acknowledges with sincere appreciation every thought and act of kindness expressed during this time of sorrow.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Norwalk United Methodist Church, 718 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home in Fairfield is in charge of the arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emma Gilmore
Susie Salzer ODonohue
March 31, 2020
Our beloved Fox Run elementary school teacher and team leader, Emma B. Gilmore, was an outstanding teacher, trailblazer, leader, feminist, and role model. She is unforgettable!
Sene Thorp Bostrom
May 5, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was one of a handful of fine teachers at Fox Run I will remember my entire life. I don't think I ever respected a teacher more. She impacted my life on so many levels and taught me more than a few hard life lessons in addition to academics (remember when teachers could actually do that?) And she would be happy to know I can still recite "Abou Ben Adhem" and "Little Orphan Annie" to this day!
Rest in peace you so deserve it Mrs. Gilmore- you worked so hard while on this earth to teach us life's best lessons!
May 3, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Gilmore family. Mrs Gilmore was my teacher at Kendall school. She also lived nearby and in future years our paths crossed now and then. She never forgot a face or name, I will cherish my memory of her foreve . Patricia Pignataro Murphy
Tom Eyman
April 14, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Fox Run from 1968-70 - turbulent years for the country. She handled the sad events of those years with grace and made sure they were not lost on us 11 and 12 year olds. The best teacher of my K-12 years, she always had high expectations and pushed us to meet them, whether in running for class leadership positions or performing academically. She showed her disappointment if we did not meet those expectations and made us realize how important it was to her (and thus how important it should be to us) to be at our best. The students of Fox Run and all of Norwalk were so fortunate for her influence in our lives.
ellen Eyman
April 14, 2014
Mrs Gilmore was the best teacher at Fox Run School in those turbulent sixties when she set a perfect example of leadership. She inspired many young readers and it was from her classroom elections that we learned how to run a fair campaign. I've always remembered her.
Andrea "Ande" Rosenfield Marks
April 12, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was not just a teacher, she was a force of nature! My older brother had her at Fox Run first, and I could hardly wait the three years until I would experience her teaching. Mrs. Gilmore tore down racial barriers and literally taught us the meaning of the word 'prejudice'; we should go forward in life with open minds. She also taught me that there was no such thing as a "stupid" question, so I barraged her with oodles of them, so thirsty for knowledge. (Years later my husband tells me that in my case, there IS such a thing as a stupid question--LOL). Mrs. Gilmore was also the only teacher I ever had (including my OWN MOTHER) who could quiet me down. God bless Emma B. Gilmore. xxxooo
Fran Chapman
April 12, 2014
I'm so thankful for Emma and bill being godparents to my daughters and Emma being like a mother to me. I received so much wisdom from Emma and am thankful The Lord blessed her be with us as long as he did. Emma was a remarkable and loved woman and will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Fran chapman
Susie Salzer O'Donohue
April 11, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was a remarkable woman and a Fox Run Elementary School icon and trailblazer! As my 5th and 6th grade teacher, she filled my Fox Run experience with fun activities, traditions, and academic challenges. As a female team leader, she led by example. She encouraged and inspired girls to be leaders, to run for school office, to succeed academically, and to play sports with our male peers. She was passionate about her students. She cared so much that she would give me special assignments to challenge my mind. I'll never forget when she had me write a report about "Jean Baptiste Point du Sable" when everyone else was assigned well-known historic figures. She brought spirit to Fox Run. She loved us and we certainly loved her! Thank you for enriching our lives! We will miss you, Emma B. Gilmore!!!
Darlene and Kim
Kimberley Chapman Jones
April 9, 2014
Emma Gilmore was my Godmother. Both Emma and Bill played a very important roll in my christian life. What a lovely woman Emma was. So wise and encouraging. Always there for me. She is now celebrating with those that have gone on to glory, in the house of our Lord and savior! I will miss you.
Ricardo (Ricky) Senteio
April 9, 2014
my thoughts and prayers go out to the Gilmore family .Mrs Gilmore was my teacher at ben franklin middle school . she was a great lady.so sorry for your loss
Kathy Norwood
April 9, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was perhaps one of the most influential teachers in my life. I also had her in 5th and 6th grade at Fox Run. She taught us the meaning of respect and would often tell the class that if she ever raised her voice to us, we could in turn raise our voice. Of course that never happened. She taught us that we were valuable "just because". As a young person, this was a really valuable message.
She was such an asset to the school and the city of Norwalk. She will be missed!
Jessie Lacy
April 9, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore led our church youth group back in the "60s. She was such a positive and loving force in our lives. A remarkable woman, a remarkable life.
April 8, 2014
Mrs.Gilmore was my teacher and friend. Because of you we had the Foundation Girls Club you will truly be missed
God Bless the family
Patty Wiggins Little
Tiffany Bradley
April 8, 2014
Auntie Emma, as I called her, was my godmother. A strong woman that cared for her family, community, her former students and everyone that had the pleasure of meeting her. Any chance I had to speak with her she would constantly remind me of how proud she was and to "take care of that baby". Well Auntie that baby is growing up and we both miss you dearly. God has added another angel to his table.
Douglas Bell
April 8, 2014
What a fine woman and teacher. I feel blessed to have been educated by Mrs. Gilmore in the early days of Fox Run School. I remember Play Day, School Elections, 6th Grade Beach Party and of course the Fox Run School Song. Mrs. Gilmore always said that a Fox Run student would become President of the United States so Larry keep on trucking. I know everyone I run into from the Fox Run days talks with nothing but respect for Mrs. Gilmore and what impact she had on their lives. Good bless you and thank you for all of us to include my brothers Dana and George.
Judy Mears
April 7, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Kendall. She was a lovely human being and a superb teacher! She cared about her students; she cared about whether and how they learned; she cared about her community; and she had a way of communicating her affection and respect for everyone who met her! She made a tremendous impression on me when I was at a vulnerable age, and she made me want to learn and to achieve. I am so grateful that I had the blessing of her as a teacher and a friend. She and her husband, a distinguished educator in his own right, were a tremendous asset to Norwalk, and to the students of Norwalk. May the angels lead you to paradise, Mrs. Gilmore!
Fred Fitchen
April 7, 2014
Our thoughts are with the family of this outstanding woman and long time neighbor.
Carol Clark
April 7, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was one of those teachers you never forget. She was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Kendall. She was a caring and loving person who dedicated her life to helping each child reach their potential. After not seeing her for over 50 years I recognized her a few years ago shopping for dinner for her husband and her in Stew Leonards. I approached her and she immediately knew my name. I was so excited to tell her that I had followed in her footsteps and become a teacher. After that I saw her a few times more grocery shopping and we would catch up and talk about teaching and kids. The last time I saw her was about two years ago...I thought about her the other day and wondered how she was. Mrs. Gilmore, you were truly my inspiration and guided me into teaching. I can only hope during my 43 years of teaching high school math I have reached half as many students as you did. You will truly be missed. Much love to your family and friends.
Carol Rice Clark
Larry Porricelli
April 7, 2014
What a wonderful person Mrs Gilmore was. As teacher at Kendall School, she was magnificent and the best teacher. She led us in the Jr Red Cross, and taught us how to help others and bless others. God bless you Mrs Gilmore, you are loved by so many.
Joan Toone-Setzer
April 7, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was the only teacher I remember from Sunday School, so she obviously had a big impact on me! I can still recite I Corinthians 13, one of the passages she required. She was a wonderful woman, wife and mother. I also had Mr Gilmore for chemistry, and knew both boys in school. I am sure the Lord was waiting with open arms.
Anne Haffey
April 6, 2014
Mrs Gilmore was the best teacher I ever had. A woman of courage, compassion, and tremendous faith. It was an honor to have been her student. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Maria Knight
April 6, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was the epitome of excellence, as a woman of God and the standard by which, anyone seeking the profession of teaching, should follow! Missed here, however, welcomed home.
Joyce Lee
April 6, 2014
A woman of Faith and integrity , she will be missed in more ways than we can imagine RIP
Joyce Lee
April 6, 2014
A woman of Faith and integrity , she will be missed in more ways than we can imagine RIP
Pastor Phyllis Y Bolden
April 6, 2014
May Mrs. Gilmore rest in paradise! She fought a good fight!!! What an amazing legacy this woman leaves to all of her students, peers, and the Norwalk community! My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to her son Thomas and her nieces and nephews.
Kimberly Thomas
April 6, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was an amazing woman of faith, and fulfilled her passion in teaching. She always managed to bring out the best in her students, and she was a lifetime mentor. (Kimberly Edwards Thomas, (West Haven, CT)
Mark Edwards
April 6, 2014
She changed many lives...
April 6, 2014
So sorry to hear about Mr. Gilmore' passing. She was the head of the RedCross at Kendall School,which I belonged to .She was truly a great Lady!
Dorothea Clark
April 6, 2014
Deepest sympathy to the family of Emma Gilmore. I met Emma while I was President of Church Women United in Norwalk. She was a most remarkable lady. We worked on a project together. May God Bless and sustain all of you during this difficult time. Sincerely Dorothea Clark
Ken Lofgren
April 6, 2014
I am grateful to have had Mrs. Gilmore as my reading teacher in 5th and 6th grades at Fox Run School. She was a teacher with great enthusiasm and energy. And as my homeroom teacher during one of those years, I well recall the song that we would sing to her to start off the day each morning!
Suzanne Oster
April 6, 2014
She was one of my favorite Sunday School teachers growing up in NUMC. I always remember her rosy checks and smile
Sharon Ely Pearson
April 6, 2014
Mrs. Gilmore was one of the best teachers I ever had - Fifth Grade at Fox Run Elementary School in Norwalk, 1965.
Carolyn Rosenfield
April 6, 2014
Emma was an outstanding person and educator.We spent many years working together and sharing our love of children and rheir education..She will be well remembered by many.
Pamela Cutrone
April 6, 2014
RIP Mrs. Gilmore. She was my teacher at Fox Run Elementary. She was a great teacher!
RICK SAYMON
April 6, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss I Had Mrs. Gilmore at Fox Run School she was a great teacher Deepest Sorrow Rick Saymon
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