Ethel Beckleheimer Gilmer

Ethel Beckleheimer Gilmer, 96, of Roanoke, Va., died and met her Savior, Jesus, on Friday, September 26, 2008. She was the last remaining daughter of the late Moses Lee and Corilda Spencer Beckleheimer. She was the youngest of six sisters who preceded her in death, Maggie B. Walters, Virginia B. Richardson, Beatrice B. Keith, Edna B. Sumner and Ruby B. Walters. Also preceding her in death was her husband of 60 years, James Carey Gilmer; a daughter, Colleen Gilmer; and two grandsons, Douglas Thompson and Gregory Gilmer. Surviving are two sons, William E. Gilmer, of Smyrna, S.C., and Donald Lee Gilmer and wife, Cary, of Roanoke; a daughter, Doris G. Thompson and husband, Tim, of Roanoke; six grandchildren, Cindy Thompson, Sandra Thompson, David Thompson, all of Roanoke, Tommy Thompson, of Boones Mill, Carylee G. Meyers, of Columbus, Ohio, and Melanie G. Harper, of Jacksonville, Fla.; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Ethel was a faithful member of Ghent Grace Brethren Church for over 75 years and was a wonderful Christian example to her family and friends. Despite dementia, she continued to read her Bible to the end. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 28, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home, Roanoke. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2008, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Pastors Danny Wright and Zach Doppelt officiating. The family wishes to thank those who have so kindly cared for Ethel in her declining years, especially Jeanne Duncan and her staff. Memorial gifts may be given to Ghent Grace Brethren Church. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhome.com.