Nell West Gilmer

Nell was born to Doyle and Alvena West on November 2, 1933, in Fort Worth, Texas. The youngest of five children, she grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Poly High School in 1951.

The most important relationship throughout her life was knowing Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She loved reading His Word and teaching its Truth to others. One of her favorite hymns was: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” That truth sums up her life.

There was also never a doubt that she loved being Mrs. Charles Clayton Gilmer. She met her “knight in shining armor” in junior high, while attending Camp Sagamore. The camp would always hold a special place in their hearts. Later in life, when facing major decisions, they would often travel from Fort Worth to Latham Springs and spend time in the Prayer Garden.

They were joined in marriage on December 12, 1952, and left immediately for Camp Roberts, in San Miguel, CA, where the groom was stationed in the U.S. Army. After completing his service, the couple returned to live in Fort Worth and raise their family. Nell was passionate about being a mother and focused her time and energy on raising her three children. Later she was able to know the joy of being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

In the mid 70’s, Nell supported her husband as he left the business world and stepped in to serve on staff at Sagamore Hill Baptist Church. She embraced the call as a staff wife and loved coming alongside other pastor’s wives to encourage them in their role. In 1983, they moved to Houston, Texas, and served at Metropolitan Baptist Church. She and Charlie loved serving others at home and on mission trips overseas. She was known for her deep love of friends, leading a prayer group for moms, always encouraging, and her witty sense of humor. Even up until her call Home, she was a light to others, kind, and always gracious.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charles Gilmer; brothers, Morris West, and William D. (Dub)West, Jr.; sisters, Pollye Pearson and Ella Rew.

Nell is survived by children, Vicki York (Larry), Clay Gilmer (Jennifer), Doug Gilmer (Kimberly); grandchildren, Jennifer Dearmore (Josh), Jessica Thomason (Jeff), Garrett Gilmer (Bailee), Ashlyn Britton (Chance), Chase Gilmer (Sarah), Whitney Robinson (Caleb), J.P. Gilmer (Molly); great-grandchildren, Ella Dearmore, Jack Dearmore, Kooper Gilmer, Adalee Gilmer, Eli Gilmer, Case Thomason, Lyla Thomason, Poppy Robinson, Weston (Dub) Robinson, Truett Britton, and awaiting the arrival of baby boy Robinson and baby girl Britton!

A private family celebration service will be held at a later time.

A special thanks to Bridgewater Memory Care and Beyond Faith for your sweet love and care during this past year.