Ms. Nora Mcpherson (Mcpherson) Gilmore

Nora A. McPherson Gilmore, lovingly known as Mother Nora, a woman whose heart was as vast as her love, peacefully departed this life on February 7, 2025, at the age of eighty-six. As the matriarch of her family, Nora’s life was a living testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience. Her unwavering devotion to her family, her faith in God, and her steadfast belief in the importance of love and service will leave an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Born on December 5, 1938, in Tallahassee, Florida. Nora’s journey was one of compassion, selflessness, and an unshakable belief in the Lord. The name "Nora" means "light" or "honor" and indeed, she was the light that illuminated the lives of all who knew her. Her deep faith in God was the foundation of her life, and she lived out the teachings of the Bible through her actions every day. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, she was a "woman of strength and dignity" who "opened her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness was on her tongue." Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured love and wisdom into them, just as a good and faithful servant should.  Nora was a devoted member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she received the Lord as her Savior. Her faith in the Lord guided her every step, and she lived her life with the strength and peace that came from her relationship with Him. She was a proud 1956 graduate of New Union High School in Boston Georgia, where she formed the foundation of her lifelong values of integrity, perseverance, and service to others.

She served as a supervisor at Joan Art Mills, where she was known for her leadership and dedication to her team. After years of hard work and commitment, she retired from Textron, where she made a significant impact on her role and was respected by colleagues for her professionalism and work ethic. Nora devoted herself entirely to what she considered her most cherished role—motherhood. She adored her boys—Larry, Terry, Ronald, Omar, Robert, and Howard with a love so fierce, so pure, and so unconditional that it was the foundation of her life. Every day, she lived for her sons. She nurtured them, guided them, and supported them through every stage of life. There was no sacrifice too great, no challenge too hard for Nora when it came to her sons. They were her pride, her joy, and the center of her heart. She showed them the meaning of unconditional love, faith, and resilience, and her love for them will remain a legacy.

In addition to her sons, Nora’s love extended to her cherished blessings—Irish Barnes, Zeporia Gilmore, Tammy Thomas, and Latasha Quinnie. These daughters became a beautiful and integral part of her life, and she embraced them with open arms. Her love and support for them were just as profound as that for her own children. She poured wisdom, nurturing, and encouragement into them, making them feel cherished and valued.

Nora also had an immense love for her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.  She cherished each of them deeply, offering the same boundless love, wisdom, and encouragement that she gave to her sons. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye, and she was so proud to see the young lives they grew into.

A woman who loved to cook, Nora's kitchen was always filled with the aroma of delicious meals, and her home at 122 Festus Street was a welcoming place where family and friends loved to gather. Whether it was a holiday, a Sunday afternoon, or just a spontaneous visit, people knew they would find warmth, love, and a full plate of food at Nora's home. She made everyone feel like family, and the love she put into her cooking reflected the love she had for all those around her.

A Legacy of Love and Devotion. Preceded in death by Her beloved sisters, Ethel Lee Andrews, Corey May Bass, Eva Mary Buchanan, Nora Mae George, Patience Williams, and Mamie McPherson. She leaves behind: Her brother, Thomas Edward Andrews and Her Sister Betty Haughbrook Her brother-in-law, Howard Gilmore (affectionately known as Uncle Howard) Her cherished sons, Larry McPherson, Robert Gilmore, and Howard Gilmore Her loving daughters-in-law, Cynthia Gilmore, JenniferGilmore, Toprika Jones, and Denise McPherson Her cousins — Yvonne Armster, Rosetta Brown, and Mattie Johnson Her nieces, Jackqueline Blackmon (Don), San Singletary (Meredith), Lisa McPherson, Linda Barnes (Tommy) Her nephews: Lyrance Williams (Vivian), Albert McPherson Jr. (Frances) Her devoted bonus sons, Arthur Gilmore, Willie Jones, and Willie Simmons (Bro Bro) Her nineteen beloved grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, cherished relatives, and dear friends She also shared a lifelong bond with her secret keepers, cousins, and best friends— Yvonne Armster, Annie McIntyre, Priscilla Maxwell, and Ernestine Rollins. These women were an extension of her heart, standing by her side through thick and thin, always sharing in her joy, wisdom, and faith.