Mary Evelyn Shipe Gilmore – of Knoxville graduated from an Earthly angel to a Heavenly angel on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. A beautiful lady, she will be remembered for her wonderful smile but even more so for her great kindness, generosity and her great love for our Lord and Savior. Originally from the Richland community of Blaine, Tennessee, Mary was an exceptional Christian who dedicated her life to God, and many souls are in Heaven from her sweet influence. Her education included a degree from Carson Newman University and Master’s degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and also from the University of Tennessee. She was a very well-loved high school teacher in the Knox County School System. She not only mentored high school students, but she also shared her gift with young people in church as a Sunday School teacher inspiring them to do their best. Running into her former students always delighted her. She was a gifted speaker who also loved the great sacred choral music. Playing hymns on both piano and organ was the joy of her life and another way she shared her love of God. Mary loved her church family and was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Knoxville. She played an active role there for many years. Mary enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Europe. She also loved the animals of the world, especially her beloved Shetland sheepdog, Bobo. Throughout her life she was devoted to both God and country, and was a shining example of a godly Christian and citizen. We need more people like her for a better United States and world tomorrow. The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Trinity Hills Assisted Living who took such great care of Mary and loved her in her last years. She loves you all.
Mary was preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Lucy Shipe; brother, Paul Shipe and wife Jo Anne; and brothers-in-law, Dr. James Herbert Gilmore Jr. and Melvin Gilmore.
Survivors include devoted husband, Elvin Gilmore; nieces, Marie Gilmore-Gribble, Lisa (Scott) Miller; nephews, Raymond Shipe, Victor (Catherine) Gilmore, Dale (Gera) Gilmore, and Winston Gilmore; as well as several cousins. Should friends desire, a contribution made in Mary’s name may be sent to The Humane Society of Tennessee Valley (humanesocietytennessee.org/).
The family will receive friends 12:00-12:30 PM Saturday, July 31, 2021, at The First Baptist Church of Knoxville, 510 W Main St #2539, Knoxville, TN 37902, followed by the funeral service at 12:30 PM with Rev. Brent McDougal, Rev. Dr. Darris Doyal, and Chaplain David Collins officiating. There will be a private family interment at Buffalo Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
January 16 1931 July 28 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mary Evelyn Gilmore January 16 1931 July 28 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Knoxville, Province: T-N