Mary Alice Gilmer

Mary Alice Hill Gilmer, age 93, was born April 10, 1931 in Murfreesboro, AR and passed away August 13, 2024 in Arkadelphia, AR. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend cherished by all who knew her. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years John Harrison Gilmer, parents Clarence and Thelma Hill and a baby sister Helen Hill.+

She is survived by her two children, Kathy (Ed) Donihoo and John Gilmer Jr., both of Murfreesboro, AR, three grandchildren Patrick (Virginia) Donihoo of Fayetteville, NC, Stephanie (Brandon) Chaney of McKinney, TX and Lowell Gilmer of Grand Prairie, TX., seven great-grandchildren Laney, John, Maya, Will, Nate, Sean and Marilla; sister-in-law Sherry Gilmer Umphress and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mary was born and raised in Murfreesboro. She graduated from high school in May, 1949 and on June 11, 1949, she married the love of her life, Harrison Gilmer. They were blessed with two children, Kathy in 1951 and John “Johnny” in 1954. In 1954 they moved to Grand Prairie, TX where they lived until retirement in 1984. In 1957, Mary started her working career with J. C. Penney Co. then changed careers in 1963 and went to work for the First National Bank of Grand Prairie. There she worked as a teller, new accounts rep, assistant cashier, marketing officer and held the position of assistant vice president until her retirement. During that time, she was a member of the Order of Eastern Star (for over 50 years), Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce, Grand Prairie Women’s Board of Realtors and the Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons group. After moving back to Murfreesboro, she worked part-time at People’s Pharmacy and was involved in many activities in the community. 

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro and served faithfully until her health declined. She was a devoted follower of Christ, and her church home and family were so important in her life. 

A special “Thank You” to all the nurses and aides of Twin Rivers Rehabilitation/Nursing Home in Arkadelphia for the loving care they gave her during the past two years and especially during the last month of her life.

A funeral service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro AR, on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 preceding the funeral service. Officiating the service will be Dr. Rick Hyde. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Hickory Grove Cemetery, 3124 Hwy 301 S., Delight, AR 71940.

Pallbearers: Patrick Donihoo, Lowell Gilmer, Brandon Chaney, Will Donihoo, Nate Chaney and Sean Chaney