Accounting professor dies at 70

JoAnn Gilmore remembered for love of numbers, students and serving God

Liberty University Professor JoAnn Gilmore passed away Monday, Jan. 19, at the age of 70 after battling illness for more than one year.

JoAnn Gilmore was born in Toledo, Ohio and was married to Phil Gilmore. She taught at Liberty as an accounting professor for 20 years, helping students learn both fundamentals and advanced concepts of finance. JoAnn Gilmore also proceeded to teach for Liberty after her retirement as an adjunct professor, continuing her love for helping students learn.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, JoAnn Gilmore went on to complete her M.B.A. at Liberty. She continued to work on her doctorate until she passed away.

David Gilmore, the son of JoAnn and Phil Gilmore, shared some thoughts and memories of his mother during the memorial service on Friday,
Jan. 23.

“As we wanted to share a few words about our mother, we found that most of what we wanted to say was summarized in Proverbs 31, describing the Christ like woman,” David Gilmore said. ‘“Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies.’ Well, my dad did.”

David Gilmore spoke of the love and care JoAnn Gilmore shared with her family, often going above and beyond in caring for them.

“We remember her making clothing like Halloween costumes and outfits for special occasions,” David Gilmore said. “She engaged in business while managing the household, but rarely would we ever see this. She studied for her CPA exam almost a year without my younger sisters knowing.”

During the memorial service, David Gilmore spoke of his mother’s strong belief in the power of prayer.

“After one of my sisters had her purse stolen, my mom prayed that my sister would be made whole,” David Gilmore said. “My sister thought it was a sweet prayer, but impossible concerning the circumstances. In an unbelievable set of circumstances only God could orchestrate, the captured thief repaid the cash that had been stolen.”

Pastor Jonathan Falwell presided over the memorial service, offering his memories of JoAnn Gilmore and telling of her love for Christ and for her students. Speaking of her battle with sickness, he spoke about how the Lord had answered prayers for healing.

“God answered your prayers,” Pastor Falwell said. “God did heal her. He didn’t heal in the way human beings desire. Our desires were for physical healing, here, today, for now. God answered your prayers … in a way that goes far beyond the prayers we offered.”

Charles Billingsley, worship pastor for Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC), sung two hymns, entitled “Finally Home” and “In the Midst of the Storm.”

Gene Sullivan, chair of the Departments of Accounting, Economics and Finance, gave his thoughts on JoAnn Gilmore’s life.

“Her students have found her to be very caring, somewhat of a mother type,” Sullivan said. “She would do what she could to help the students along and learn. She had a great deal of patience in those beginning classes.”

Sullivan also spoke of the love JoAnn Gilmore had for family and fellowship.

“Her hobby was her family,” Sullivan said. “She was very devoted to her family. She had four children, and they all came up through Liberty. She was a CPA, her husband is a CPA and three of her four children are all CPA’s.”

David Gilmore ended his address with a thankful heart and a loving “see you soon.”

“We know God is in control,” David Gilmore said. “We know God is good, and his plan is perfect. God, Lord Jesus, thank you for our mom. We will miss you, Mom. We love you, Mom, and in the context of eternity, we will see you soon.”

Van Dyk is the news editor.