September 3, 1951 – July 30, 2026

Connie Sue Gilmore was born September 3, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Earl Cloyce Gilmore and Lillian Louise Coleman Gilmore. She spent her early childhood on the family farm in Dickson, Tennessee, before moving to Nashville at the age of four. She was the older sister to her beloved brother, Anthony Gilmore.

Growing up, Connie became best friends with her next-door neighbor, Sharon (Coode) Connor; their bond of friendship never dulled, and they remained close friends throughout Connie’s life.

Connie was a prolific reader, a talented concert pianist, and a lifelong learner. She attended Vanderbilt University as an English major, where she earned her Master's Degree. She later continued her studies at Cumberland University, earning two additional Master's Degrees in Education, and went on to become a preschool director.

Her life was transformed by her dedication to Biblical Studies. Learning more about God's Word and Christian living expanded her heart to love even bigger and inspired an always positive outlook on life. Her joyful attitude and encouragement were often conveyed in phrases like “Onward and Upward” and “It could be today.” Her friends in the Southern Literary Society knew her as a woman who never held back the scriptures, as the Word of God naturally flowed out of her.

In addition to her devotion to family and friends, Connie faithfully served on the board of Living Tree Academy, an organization dedicated to teaching and serving young children. Through her work there, she developed treasured friendships with Chuck and Carla Self.

In her later years, Connie was especially blessed by her niece, Laura, whose frequent visits and support brought her great comfort. She was also deeply cared for by her younger brother, Anthony, and his wife, Patrice. Their unwavering love, faithful care and steadfast daily presence were a constant source of strength. Connie often said that "it wasn't the quantity, but the quality - and who stayed by your side - that mattered." She remarked how she found this faithful friendship in her brother Anthony and her lifelong friend, Sharon Connor, whose enduring love was among life's greatest blessings.

Connie also delighted in encouraging the next generation. She loved giving books to her great-nieces and great-nephews, hoping to inspire in them the same lifelong love of reading and learning that had shaped her own life.

Connie fell asleep on July 30, 2026, and is awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her brother, Anthony Gilmore; her sister-in-law, Patrice Gilmore; her nieces, Laura, Sarah, Amy and Hilary; her nephew, David; and all their families. She is also survived by her lifelong friends, Sharon and Rod Connor; Mackie Coode and Pat Harper from the Southern Literary Society; and Chuck and Carla Self of Living Tree Academy.

Connie's life was marked by unwavering love for God and His Word, a love of learning, steadfast friendships, and deep devotion to those she loved. She will be deeply missed.