Melody Ann Gilmore, 54, of Bruceton Mills, was welcomed into God’s arms on Monday, December 24, 2018, after bravely battling diabetes and ill health for many years. She was born June 3, 1964, in Morgantown, a daughter of Joyce C. Hornyak Gilmore, of Morgantown, and Ted L. Gilmore, of Barrackville.
Melody was a 2004 graduate of Fairmont State University, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Applied Sciences. After graduating from Fairmont State, she worked as paramedic/EMT with Fairview and later Bruceton Mills Volunteer Fire Departments. She was also employed at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, in Parkersburg, and Rural Metro Corporation, in Columbus, Ohio.
Melody was Catholic by faith. In her spare time, Melody enjoyed watching cooking shows on TV, listening to music, especially Prince, and watching NASCAR, cheering on the late Dale Earnhardt and later Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Melody was also known as a very gifted painter and artist, and was known to be small in stature but mighty in other ways.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by a brother, Mark S. Gilmore and wife Jessica; sisters, Candace L. Twigg and husband Dick, Kristal R. Chisler and husband Van; nieces, Megan Gilmore, Abigail Gilmore, Vanessa Chisler, Victoria Chisler. Melody was very proud of all of her nieces and their academic accomplishments. She is also survived by her faithful Shih Tzu, Jack, who she loved dearly.
Melody was preceded in death by her grandparents, Madeline and Mike Hornyak, and Donald and Chesla Gilmore.
Honoring Melody’s wishes, there will be no public services and cremation has been entrusted with Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home.
A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melody’s memory to American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829 Arlington, VA 22215, or to Pet Helpers 726 East Park Ave PMB 311 Fairmont, WV 26554.
