Mrs. Thelma Louise Gilmore, 76, of 870 Corona Drive, Orangeburg, died Saturday, July 23, 2011, at her residence after an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 2259 Rowesville Road, Orangeburg, with the Rev. Charcey Priester Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Belleville Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg. Mrs. Thelma Louise Gilmore, the daughter of the late Ernest and Eva Evans, was born Feb. 22, 1935, in Orangeburg. She departed this life at her home after an extended illness on Saturday, July 23, at 5:30 in the afternoon. She was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg County. Upon completion of her education, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a clerk with Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lord & Taylor department stores. It was there that she met and married her husband of 40 years, Matthew Gilmore. Upon his retirement from the taxi business, they migrated back to Orangeburg, where they owned and operated several businesses until his passing. Thelma later became employed by South Carolina State College, now university, where she worked until her retirement. She was a member of Alpha Psi Omega honorary dramatic fraternity and an outstanding member of the Henderson-Davis Players, who considered her their "theater mother." She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Baptist Church, which she loved dearly. Thelma will always be remembered by the Pulpit Aide Club of the church for her dedication and support and her willingness to work in any capacity of the church. She was an avid dog and cat lover, always taking care of her pets and any that were given to her to care for. Those left to cherish her fond memories are her loving sister, Eva Mae Legette of Orangeburg; a dear friend, John Branch; her aunt, Bernice McFadden of Wisconsin; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Dash's Funeral Home in Orangeburg. A public viewing also will be held at that time. There will be no public viewing at the church. Friends may call at the residence of her nephew, Curtis (Yojuna) Carter, 2322 Lakeside Drive, Orangeburg, and the funeral home. Sacred arrangements are entrusted to Dash's Funeral Home of Orangeburg. Online condolences may be submitted to Dashsfh.com.