- Date Of Birth: February 15, 1919
- Date Of Death: January 18, 2015
- State: Michigan
Gail Gilmore Smith passed away peacefully, as the sun rose and the birds were singing, on Jan. 18, 2015. Gail was born in Kalamazoo, MI on Feb. 15, 1919 to the late James Stanley Gilmore and Ruth McNair Gilmore. She graduated Kalamazoo State High School, attended Kalamazoo College and The University of Texas at Austin. During World War II she was a volunteer for the American Red Cross Motor Corp. in Kalamazoo and Anistin, Alabama.
She was married to Glen Campbell Smith Jr., who preceded her in death in 2003, in July 1944 at Fort Bennington Georgia. Her beloved brother James Stanley Gilmore Jr., also preceded her in death. Gail is survived by her three children: Julie G. Heath, of Kalamazoo; James G. Smith, of Rockford, IL; and Martha M. Smith, of Portage. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Christian S. Heath, of Kalamazoo, Amy G. Andrew Shepherd, of Ann Arbor; Sarah E. Tenbrink, of Kalamazoo; and Kelly Tenbrink, of Portage.
Her two great grandchildren, Andrew M. Shepherd and Austin G. Shepherd, lovingly knew her as “Big Grandma.” Her family and friends will forever miss her empathy, humility, outspoken wit and generous heart. Gail ‘s generous acts of humanity and kindness towards the community in which she lived, for 95 years, is her legacy. But it was her connection to nature and genuine love of animals that truly brought passion and joy to her life. Whether she was bringing home a stray dog, feeding the birds or watering the flowers the life lessons learned by her will be cherished. a” Live modestly and give generously. a” Never pass up a chance to give a stray dog a home.
The love and kindness you show them will come back to you in droves. a” Be courteous and polite, but always stand up for what you believe in. a” When the Peony’s bloom, pick them daily and fill every room with their fragrance and beauty. a” Never take yourself too seriously. Laugh often and laugh the hardest at yourself. a” Share stories about the family and loved ones that came before you. Their past made us who you are and their legacy is your children’s future. a” When you find your “Ruby Red Slippers,” purchase many and wear them often. There’s no place like HOME! Her family would like to thank the many kind people who cared for her during the past year. They are eternally grateful for Mary Six, who was her faithful companion and friend for the past six years.
