Melva Jean

Gilmore

Melva Jean Gilmore, 64, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, in her home in the presence of loving family. She was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1962 and was lovingly raised by her parents, the late Hollis and Helen Patricia Williamson. Melva was one of five children.

Melva was a manager at the former Sneaker Circus before working for many years at the Lion Store and Fifth-Third Bank. Prior to her retirement in 2024, Melva was employed at the Meijer Store in Maumee, Ohio.

At a young age, Melva accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She attended Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist, Trinity Faith Tabernacle, FaithWay COGIC/Now Faith Worship Center, and was most recently a member of Walk the Word Church.

During her free time, Melva enjoyed taking cruises, going to restaurants, spending time with and talking to friends, and hosting holiday gatherings.

Melva was preceded in death by her parents, sister Rosalyn (Harold) Sims, brothers and sisters- in-law Wilford, Delbert (Cynthia), and Dale (Sheryl) Williamson.

Remaining to celebrate her life are Melva's devoted and loving husband of 44 years, Genus Gilmore, son Justin Gilmore of Chicago, Illinois, daughters Patricia (Michael) Zeigler, and Callie Gilmore both of Columbus, Ohio, grandchildren Michael and Peyton, father and mother-in-law Rev. G. and Mildred Gilmore, brothers-in-law Harold Sims and Christopher Gilmore, sisters-in-law Honoré (Al) Hunter, Alaska Gilmore, and Nadine Williamson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, including lifelong friends Dawn Rhodes and Wallis (Jean) Lewis, and special friend Margy Thrun.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Melva's cousin Andrea Williamson for the care she provided to Melva during her recent illness.