03/19/2026
Irma Jean Miller Gilmore lived a life guided by her faith in God, sustained by the love of family, and expressed through a lifelong commitment to education and service. She believed that the gifts God gives us are meant to uplift others, and she faithfully used her own to teach, encourage, and support those around her. Through every season of her life, her faith remained her foundation and her greatest source of strength. Those who knew her well understood that her deep love for the Lord shaped the way she lived, served, and cared for others.
Irma was born in Prescott, Arkansas, the second child of the late Robert Miller and the late Jessie L. Anthony Miller. From an early age, she developed a love for reading and learning that would shape the course of her life. She believed education opened doors and helped people discover the purpose God had placed within them—a belief that would guide both her personal life and her career as an educator.
She began her career in education in 1961 at Hopewell Elementary School in Hope, Arkansas. She later taught at Martin Elementary School in Altheimer, Arkansas, Coleman Elementary School, and L.L. Owens Elementary School in Pine Bluff before joining the faculty at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. There she faithfully served students for 31 years in several roles, including English-Reading Instructor, Reading Specialist, Reading Instructor in the Upward Bound Program, and Assistant Professor and Acting Coordinator of Reading.
Across a forty-year career in education, Irma devoted herself to helping students build confidence through literacy. She had a special gift for encouraging those who doubted themselves and reminding them that with faith, determination, and guidance, they could succeed.
Irma earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English from AM&N/UAPB and later received a Master of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in Instruction and Curriculum from Henderson State University. Her love for learning never faded, and she continued her studies at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Pine Manor College in Boston, and Marygrove College in Detroit. She also became a certified Laubach literacy tutor, reflecting her lifelong passion for helping others grow through education.
While education was her calling, her faith was the foundation of everything she did. In 1974, Irma gave her life to Christ at First Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ (now First Trinity) under the leadership of Saint Dewitt Hill. She served faithfully as a Deaconess, Co-Director of Christian Education, teacher trainer, and leader of educational seminars and workshops within the church.
One of the scriptures that meant the most to her was Isaiah 53:5:
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” This verse reminded her of God’s grace and healing power and reflected the faith that sustained her throughout her life. She believed deeply in God’s promises and carried that hope into every place she served.
Irma also lived out her faith through service in the community. She volunteered with the USDA Summer Food Program, the PTA, Easter Seals, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Literacy Council, where she helped others learn to read. Outside of her work and service, she enjoyed reading, traveling, shopping, watching the Food Network, and collecting Black art, Black dolls, and figurines that reflected her appreciation for culture and heritage.
At the heart of Irma’s life was her family. On December 31, 1960, she married the love of her life, Willie Howard Gilmore. Together they shared 65 years of marriage built on love, faith, and a deep devotion to family. As her husband shared so simply and beautifully, he has been “in love with her all of his life. ”She was a proud and loving mother whose wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support shaped the lives of her children, who loved and cherished her deeply. Through her example of faith, perseverance, and compassion, she instilled values that will continue to guide her family for generations.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Willie H. Gilmore of Mansfield, Texas. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Willie H. Gilmore Jr. of Dallas, Texas; Dr. Darryl E. Gilmore of Mansfield, Texas; and Dr. Kimberly L. Gilmore Madkins (Cameron) of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by her brother, Robert A. Miller Jr. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her nieces are Alysha J. Miller of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Phyllis D. Willis (Bruce) of Atlanta, Georgia. Her nephews are Lyle E. Gibson of Raymore, Missouri; John M. Gilmore of Atlanta, Georgia; and Roderick S. Gilmore of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Cerceader L. Gilmore and Lillie M. Gilmore, both of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her grand-nieces are Cynae E. Gibson of Raymore, Missouri; Sarah Krause of Saint Paul, Minnesota; Carissa Miller and Kyra Miller, both of Edina, Minnesota; and Christa Spence-Miller of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her grand-nephews are Kenneth Brown of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Camron J. Gilmore Gibson of Raymore, Missouri.
She is also remembered with deep affection by special loved ones, Sharon Fort of Texarkana, Arkansas; Raul and Juana Lucero and family of Arlington, Texas; and a special “grandson”, Daren Harris of Farmers Branch, Texas, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched.
Throughout her life, Irma found strength and comfort in the promises of God’s Word. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, and service. Though we grieve her passing, we take comfort in God’s promise that those who walk with Him in this life will dwell with Him forever.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23 (KJV)
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at First Trinity Church of God in Christ 800 South Catalpa Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603 with Pastor Aaron Withers officiating interment in DeAnn Cemetery - Prescott, Arkansas by Paradise Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 21, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m at the church.
The family is requesting that everyone please wear pink and/or purple accents, these were favorite colors of Mother Gilmore.
"Only Paradise Can Serve You Better!"
