Faculty and friends of the late Margaret Gilmore, one of the original employees at Charleston Southern University, paid tribute to her in a memorial Sept. 10 at Lightsey Chapel. Gilmore died Aug. 22 at the age of 88. A major influence and spiritual mentor to many, Gilmore touched lives at Charleston Southern for nearly 40 years.
Margaret GilmoreIn 1964, she became a part of the team of five individuals who set about structuring the physical and academic base for the new college being sponsored by South Carolina Baptists. This became the greatest challenge of her professional career. With leadership from John Hamrick, who would become the school’s first president, and the denominationally appointed trustees, the college became a reality.
Her multifaceted role gave her the opportunity to write, professionally and with sensitivity – keeping the public informed as to what the college was becoming. She served as director of public relations and was the advisor for the student newspaper and the student literary magazine. Her accumulation of records resulted in her final responsibility as university archivist.
“God blessed me with Margaret for more than 30 years,” remembered Enid Causey, professor emeritus at Charleston Southern. “Margaret loved this institution and prayed for it daily,” she said.
Gilmore touched countless lives during her years at Charleston Southern and inspired everyone to reach for their fullest potential. Jan Joslin, director of publications at Charleston Southern, recalled how Gilmore impacted her life. “Dr. Gilmore taught me that each person has value,” she said. Joslin was one of many whom Gilmore mentored at Charleston Southern. Tunis Romein remembered her fondly as “a comforter and healing spirit.”
Gilmore received many honors during her career. In 1992, Charleston Southern awarded her the honorary doctor of letters degree. She also received the Alumni Recognition Award. She was a speaker and lecturer for various clubs, churches, and schools on journaling, life-story writing, and on the history of Baptist College at Charleston/Charleston Southern University.
Gilmore is survived by her son, Bruce (Tad) Taylor Gilmore and his wife Jane of Greeley, Colo., and three grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to the Charleston Southern Women’s Council to be used for scholarships or other projects for the beautification of the campus.