Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Roxane Gilmore Obituary
June 17, 1954 - August 7, 2024
Roxane Gatling Gilmore, First Lady of Virginia from 1998-2002 died in Richmond on August 7, 2024, the day following her 47th marriage anniversary to Jim Gilmore, former Governor of Virginia. Roxane was born on June 17, 1954 in Suffolk, Virginia. She attended Suffolk High School and earned her B.A. degree at the University of Virginia in classics and anthropology, and her Master's degree in Ancient History. She was a teacher throughout her life, teaching in the public schools in Henrico and Chesterfield. She taught for many years as an assistant professor at Randolph Macon College, teaching Latin, Women in Ancient Literature, Roman History, Greek History, Epic Poetry, and Roman Britain.
Roxane is best known for her leadership in restoring Virginia's Governor's mansion, maintaining its historic preservation while making the house a modern place to reside, work, and present to the public. As First Lady, Roxane created a "Commonwealth of Knowledge" web page for educators. While First Lady, Roxane participated in Archeological work at Jamestown and other historical sites.
Roxane traveled the world, including China, and Britain, and was in residence at the U.S. Embassy to OSCE in Vienna, Austria. She was most proud of her work with Conexus for Children's Vision, helping to provide eye examinations and glasses to children in public schools.
Roxane was a devoted wife to Jim and mother of her two sons, Jay Gilmore (Meghan) and Ashton Gilmore (Cat). She is also survived by a sister, Mary Jane Black (Jerry) and brother, Lloyd Gatling (Judy) and her granddaughter, Genevieve. She was a friend to many.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. Her funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at River Road Methodist Church, 8800 River Rd., Henrico, VA. A reception will follow the ceremony at the Commonwealth Club. Interment will be private at a later date at Westhampton Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to Conexus for Children's Vision, Richmond SPCA, or the Cancer Center at the University of Virginia.
Blileys - Central
3801 Augusta Ave
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roxane Gilmore
Sponsored by Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel.
Leigh McSweeney (Brenda Goodyear)
August 6, 2025
Thinking of you today Jim.
jeanne cathell
August 5, 2025
Jim and family, it seems hard to believe that a year has passed since we gathered to say goodbye to Roxane. I think of her every day. She was a wonderful friend and I miss her friendship, her wisdom, her humor and her many thoughtful ways. I think of all the first your family have experienced this year and know how difficult these have been. I know how much she loved you and how proud she was of her family. She is remembered and loved by so many as are you. Ngoako keep you.
Charlene Sullins
August 26, 2024
To the family of Mrs. Gilmore I am sorry for your loss. May God co.fort you at this time.
Rest in peace dear lady.
Charlene Sullins
Chesapeake, VA
Jeanne Cathell
August 16, 2024
I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Roxane, Jim, Jay and Ashton. Roxane graced many with her kindness and friendship. She was a Renaissance woman. My heart will always miss this very special friend and I will always be grateful for her wonderful presence in my life. Thank you Roxane for so many years of friendship. Your spirit will continue to influence your family and friends. You fought the mighty fight with such grace and dignity.
Danielle (Beasley) Batchelor
August 14, 2024
I have such fond memories of Mrs. Gilmore from my days of swimming at TVRA. Even after becoming First Lady she was still just as humble and kind to me when I'd run into her from time to time. I'm so heartbroken for her family. She was so special.
Stephen Cutright
August 14, 2024
Very sorry to hear this. Roxanne restored a touch of elegance and history to the governor's mansion. Sucha sweet woman. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace dear lady.
Richard Grant
August 13, 2024
Just want to say am very sad to hear of Roxane's passing. We were neighbors several streets away in Suffolk, VA. growing up and Classmates from 1st through the 12th Grade. My Prayers and Condolences go out to the Family. Am sorry for your loss. Through the Grapevine would hear about Roxane's endeavors from time to time. She was quite a person.
William Kelso
August 12, 2024
I am sorry to learn about Roxanes passing. She was such a great friend to Jamestown, me and my late wife Ellen. We had so many great archaeology and international travel memories together and her support and Jim's helped make the 2007 Jamestown National Commemoration all it could be. She always kept up with Jamestown discoveries and was as excited about about current finds as we all were. And even with her first-lady duties one summer ,she toiled away in the Jamestown archaeological trenches. Her efforts to restore the Governor's mansion was such a gift to Virginia.
Bill Kelso
Ellen Sands
August 11, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Roxane´s passing. I taught her son, Ashton, when he was in. Second grade. She was such a loving, supportive mother. My condolences to the entire Gilmore family.
Ellen Sands
Janet L. Ziolkowski
August 11, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family of Roxane Gilmore. I had the pleasure of speaking with her and her family while I was worked with Sunrise Assisted Living in Richmond in the early 2000's and she was so kind to the residents of the community. Her loss will be felt in the Richmond community. Again, my deepest sympathies to the Gilmore family and friends. Janet L. Ziolkowski, a Native Richmonder
Walter Cheatham
August 11, 2024
To the family of Roxane Gilmore, my heart is heavy for the loss of your love one. My condolences to the family and friends. I am praying for healing.
Cheryl Smith
August 11, 2024
So sorry for your loss.
Leigh McSweeney
August 11, 2024
Jim, I am very sorry for this loss to you & your family. Continued thoughts & prayers to each. Your wife was beyond lovely & special.
Maryann Nuckolls
August 11, 2024
Roxane was a woman of class. She enriched every life she touched. I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap his arms around all of you during this sad time.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Roxane Gilmore's name
Memorial Events
for Roxane Gilmore
Aug
16
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel3801 Augusta Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
Funeral services provided by:
Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel3801 Augusta Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
How to support Roxane's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Roxane Gilmore's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
