Mrs Carolyn B. Gilmore's Obituary
A fourth generation native Texan, Carolyn was born October 13, 1934 in Houston. She devoted her life to youth and their education. Carolyn was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School (1953), and a member of The Scottish Brigade. She held a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University (1956) with majors in Journalism, English and Education. While at Sam Houston, she participated in the Eclectics Sorority, Modern Dance Club, Acapella Choir, Kappa Delta Pi, and served as a newspaper editor for The Houstonian. In the early 1980s she extended her education as a graduating student of the Southwest Paralegal Institute in Houston. Carolyn was an active member of the alumni associations of S.F. Austin, Sam Houston and the Brigade. Over the course of her career she served variously as a high school teacher, newspaper sponsor and yearbook sponsor at Aldine, Milby and Stephen F. Austin High Schools in the Houston area. She also served as a teacher and substitute teacher in Pearland, Alvin, Clear Lake area and North Shore High Schools and served as a volunteer teacher of English as a second language for adults through the Pearland Continuing Education program. She was a loyal member, volunteer and supporter of the College Women's Club of Houston, the Delphian Society of Pearland, the Girl Scouts of America (Brownie leader and lifelong member), and the Clear Creek Civic Club. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for the Boy Scouts of America in Pearland. Her faithful service to the Pearland First United Methodist Church included years of dedication as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and the Ruth Knapp Circle. At the still-young age of 74, Carolyn suffered an accident while vacationing at Surfside Beach, Brazoria County, Texas on Saturday, July 18th. Despite heroic and extraordinary efforts of bystanders, volunteers and professionals on the Gulf Coast and in the Houston Medical Center, she entered into eternal rest as her family kept vigil on Monday, July 20, 2009. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Bishop Marvin Bailey and Oma Ruth Elkins Bailey. She is survived by her beloved family including her husband of 53 years, Ira David Gilmore; son, Brian Gilmore; daughter Genaye and husband Rob Corzatt; grandchildren Benjamin, Natalie and Joshua Corzatt; sister Elyndabeth and husband Frank Toland; nephew Blake and wife Tracy Toland, their children Dalton, Chase and Seth Toland; niece Lynn Cope, her son Jeff Cope; nephew David Wilson, and his children Shane, Noah, Mary Catherine and Emma. The family will receive visitors from 5pm-9pm at the funeral home on Friday, July 24. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 2:00pm, at South Park Funeral Home in Pearland, with the Rev. Dr. Phyllis Riney officiating. Interment will follow in South Park Cemetery. Pall bearers: David Levine, Mark Levine, Barry Bettes, Cletus Bettes, Colt Moore, Jim Taylor. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully suggests donations may be made to: The College Women's Club of Houston Scholarship Fund, 8202 Braesview, Houston, TX 77071; Village of Surfside Beach Police and EMS Association (Medic 60), 1304 Monument Drive, Surfside Beach, TX 77541; National Wildlife Federation Association, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190. DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS: The family suggests visitors use Pearland Parkway (from Beltway 8 or FM 518) and then McHard Road to reach South Park Funeral Home on Main Street. The family does not recommend using Main Street on Saturday due to heavy traffic congestion.
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