Lola C. Gilmore of Swifton, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born September 3, 1933, in Jonesboro, the daughter of Elmer and Gertrude (McCoy) Rogers.
Miss Lola Rogers married the love of her life, Mr. Boyce Lee “Blackie” Gilmore, on July 15, 1960, and together they built a wonderful life for their family. Mrs. Gilmore attended Jonesboro Beauty School and obtained her beautician’s license. She went on to own and operate Lola’s Beauty Shop where she was a hairdresser for thirty years until her retirement. Mrs. Gilmore was a devoted member of Swifton Baptist Church, where she often took great pride in organizing food for events. Her cooking and care brought many people together.
Mrs. Gilmore enjoyed playing cards and always had a competitive spirit. She loved playing softball as a young girl and continued to play until she was in her forties. Mrs. Gilmore also loved helping her family tend to the livestock and make sure they were well cared for. Mrs. Gilmore’s greatest joy in life was her family. She attended all of her children, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren’s events to cheer them on.
Mrs. Gilmore is preceded in death by her husband, Boyce Lee “Blackie” Gilmore; her brothers, William Rogers and Frank Rogers; her sisters, Vernal Floyd, Emma Mitchell, and Lillian Burnette; a granddaughter, Mandy Houchin; and her parents.
She is survived by her sons, Roger Gilmore and wife, Rita, of Marion, Bobby Gilmore and wife, Debbie, of Swifton, and Ricky Gilmore and wife, Nancy, of Swifton; her daughters, Debby Crider and husband, Kenny, of Swifton and Penni Manuel and husband, David, of Tuckerman; eleven grandchildren, Keith Gilmore and wife, Jami, Stacy Wilbanks and husband, Gunner, Craid Crider and Tara Blevins, Rodney Gilmore and wife, Hannah, Heidi Brown and husband, Wayne, Latisha Clark and husband, Chris, Cali Green and husband, B.J., Jeff Manuel and wife, Taylor, Caitlin Gilmore, Evin Cooper, and Kessler Mack; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit at Swifton Baptist Church on Friday, April 11, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow, with Mr. Mike Critcher and Mrs. Carolyn Hohn officiating. Interment will be in Swifton Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Keith Gilmore, Craig Crider, Rodney Gilmore, Jeff Manuel, Evin Cooper, and B.J. Green. Honorary Pallbearers are the Employees of Dacus House at Green House Cottages, Harry Wright, Kessler Mack, and Terry Hatley.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
