Mrs. Florence Gilmore passed on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Beacon Place, Greensboro, North Carolina.  Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina with Rev. Dr. Kevin Sturdivant serving as Eulogist.  Public viewing will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the McLaurin Memorial Chapel (please enter through the front door of the chapel).

Florence Emma Vincent Gilmore Florence Emma Vincent Gilmore, daughter of the late Edward and Perlina Vincent was born on September 1, 1926 in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina.  She was called to eternal rest on December 15, 2020.

At a young age, she attended and was baptized at Union Grove Baptist Church in Hurdle Mills, NC. Florence graduated from Person County Training School at the age of 16.  She then attended North Carolina Central University and Fayetteville State University.  In December of 1945, she married John Wesley Gilmore and later became the proud mother of Gwendolyn, Evangerlene (Delores), John, Patricia, Phyllis (Evon), and Wesley (Keith).  She loved her family dearly and dedicated her life to being an amazing wife and mother.  After marriage, John and Florence moved to Durham, NC where she remained in the "big city" for a few years prior to making the decision to move so they could raise their children in Reidsville.

Upon moving to Reidsville, Florence attended and became a member of Grooms Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years and was active in the nurse's auxiliary and the usher ministry.  Florence had a true heart for people and always enjoyed serving and attending services with her church family.

She worked at and retired from Macfield Texturing Company in Reidsville where she met and worked alongside many that became like family to her.  Often, Florence could be found in her favorite place in her home, her kitchen, cooking her favorite dishes for those she loved. She enjoyed putting a smile on the faces of those that visited with her and refused to allow anyone to leave her home without sitting with her for a warm meal.  Florence was a true lover of people and was always kind-hearted and compassionate towards others. She was a giver and always put others before herself.  Florence appreciated and enjoyed the small things in life such as sitting and doing puzzles, working in her garden, and visiting with friends and family members.  She was the matriarch of the family and always made sure that her family knew how much they were loved.  Her home was full of love and became the gathering place for holidays, Sunday dinners, and summer trips.  Florence will always be remembered for the great memories that were made at her home as her family simply loved being in her presence. She was truly the "glue" of the family and will be missed greatly.

In addition to her husband, Florence is predeceased by her son, John Edward Gilmore; and her daughter, Phyllis Evon Gilmore Ottley.

She leaves to cherish her memory:  her sister, Gladys Vincent; her loving children, Gwendolyn (Miguel) De Comas of Barcelona, Spain, Evangerlene Delores Maynard of Fort Washington, MD, Patricia (John) King of Greensboro, NC, and Wesley O'Keith (Janet) Gilmore of Killeen, TX; seven grandchildren, Damon (Sarah) King, Thurmond (Edith) Maynard, Nicholas (Brandy) King, Shannie (David) Johnson, Ryan King, Kimberly (Aaron) Scott, and Ja'Net (Robert) Gettys; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that truly became family.  In the hearts and minds of all that loved Florence, her memory and legacy shall never be forgotten and must be carried on, as she is now with her Heavenly Father and loved ones that have gone before her rejoicing.

McLaurin Funeral Home is serving the family.  Covid-19 precautions will be followed with social distancing, masks and sanitizing required.  You may connect to the Virtual services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855# or FaceBook livestreaming via McLaurin Funeral Home's FB page.