Myrtle Louise Peacock Gilmore

October 27, 2018

Myrtle Louise Peacock Gilmore, 105, passed away peacefully October 22, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 15, 1912, in the Dry Springs Community of Pineville, Florida, to Luman and Lena Hollingsworth Joiner. Myrtle was one of five children.

Myrtle married Conard Cleveland Peacock in 1931. Together, they reared six children, Barbara, Bonnie, Voncile, Bernell, Wayne, and Tyrone. Their 50 years together included adventures such as working for the Forestry Service during World War II. Conard fighting fires, and Myrtle manning a 120 foot fire tower, triangulating fires and serving as a plane spotter during the war. After the war, they started the New Deal Café near the railroad depot in Flomaton, where soldiers could enjoy Myrtle’s good food on the way home from a long war. Later, they owned a small neighborhood store in Little Rock, Alabama. The family moved to Pensacola, where Conard worked for Bass Furniture, and Myrtle for Pleezing Grocery. Conard passed in 1981, shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary.

Several years later, Myrtle was courted by life long friend, Fred Gilmore. Their short, but delightful romance was a joy to watch, and Myrtle gained another daughter, Pat Bonner. Fred passed in 1991, after being married only five short years.

Born the daughter of a Holiness Circuit Preacher, Myrtle had a long history of serving others. Myrtle served the church as treasurer, Sunday School teacher, prayer warrior, and faithful member. As an elderly woman herself, she would provide rides for the older ladies of the church, meals for the sick and homebound, and make nursing home visits on a regular basis.

Myrtle loved the Lord, life, and family. Twice, Myrtle has celebrated five living generations, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and most recently six living generations with the birth of her first great- great-great-grandchild, Johnathan Curtis Marti. And a sister Estelle Funk of Fairhope, AL. She is preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara Parker and Voncile Hughen.

Myrtle was well known for her many “Myrtle-isms”, such as, “I’m not a wealthy old lady, but I’m a healthy old lady”, “We shouldn’t judge others, but we can be fruit inspectors”, “The old gray mare, ain’t what she used to be”, “Don’t go get into any trouble, they won’t let me out to come get you”, and of course, “When you get home, call and let it ring one time. Then I’ll know you made it home ok”.

The family would like to thank Solaris Healthcare, the staff and residents who loved and cared for her, and shared their lives with her. Especially Sharon, Joy, Heather, Tina, and Mary. Also Emerald Coast Hospice, especially her nurse Robin, and volunteers Diane and Cindy, and long time friend Liz Richards. All of you helped to make her life richer to the very end. It was impossible to know her and not love her, and never doubt that she loved you right back.

A Celebration of Life was held at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home on Friday October 26, 2018.

Interment was in Little Rocky Creek Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers were Terry McCall, Steven Peacock, Justin Morrell, Corey McCall, Parker Hudson, and Richie Tucker.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries