Fairfield, Connecticut
Emma Brantley Gilmore
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
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!
Susie Salzer ODonohue
March 31, 2020 | FL | Student
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...
Sene Thorp Bostrom
May 05, 2014 | Duxbury, MA
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
May 03, 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...
Tom Eyman
April 14, 2014 | Franconia, NH
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.
ellen Eyman
April 14, 2014 | Toronto, ON
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...
Andrea "Ande" Rosenfield Marks
April 12, 2014 | Woodstock, GA
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
Fran Chapman
April 12, 2014 | Mission Viejo. Calif
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...
Susie Salzer O'Donohue
April 11, 2014 | Naples, FL
Darlene and Kim
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.
Kimberley Chapman Jones
April 09, 2014 | Ladera Ranch, CA
