Emma Lou Cline Gilmore passed away peacefully at Holly Hall Christian Retirement Community in Assisted Living on Monday, April 3, 2023.  Her three children are thankful they were able to spend time at her bedside and together the last few days.

Emma Lou was born in Seabrook, Texas on March 1, 1933, the second of 5 children to Edward Riley Cline and Lucille Brummerhop Cline. She graduated from Webster High School in 1953 and attended Sam Houston State Teachers College.  During the summer after her freshman year, she went on a blind date with Darwin Gilmore. They were married 3 months later on September 3, 1954.  Emma Lou and Darwin made their home in League City, Texas, and had 3 children. Later, Emma Lou graduated from the University of Houston and taught for many years at Ed White Elementary in Seabrook and League City Elementary in League City.

Emma Lou and Darwin were very active in the community. They were charter members of League City United Methodist Church and remained active until his death in 2020.  Emma Lou was also active in the local Garden Club and as a Lioness.  After retirement in 1988, she became active in the Texas Retired Teachers Association and was able to spend more time on her hobbies of sewing for grandchildren, baking and decorating beautiful cakes, and chairing various events at church.  Emma Lou and Darwin loved to travel and some of their favorite trips were to Hawaii, China, Australia and New Zealand, and cruising through the Panama Canal. The last few years before moving to Holly Hall, Emma Lou and Darwin enjoyed living within walking distance of Hermann Park, the zoo, and the museums which allowed them to spend many days walking to stay active.  They also enjoyed attending events at Miller Outdoor Theater.

Emma Lou Gilmore is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Clarissa and Gregg Stephens, Emily and Tom Alderman, and Darwin, Jr. and Ann Gilmore; 11 grand-children (plus spouses); 35 great-grandchildren (plus one due in early May); numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.  Family and community have always been an important part of her life.

Darwin and Emma Lou were devoted to each other and truly believed "the best place to be is together".  Now they are "together forever".  Emma Lou will be interred at Houston National Cemetery alongside her husband on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM Central Time.  A memorial service will be held for Emma Lou and Darwin at a later date.

The family would like to thank the compassionate and loving care Emma Lou received from everyone at Holly Hall – the CNA's, nurses, doctor, med techs, physical and occupational therapists, dining staff, activity leaders, housekeeping, beautician, maintenance and administrative staff. They are truly like family to her. They all have a story to tell about Mrs. Gilmore.

Please consider a gift in her memory to Holly Hall Retirement Community, League City United Methodist Church, or an Alzheimer's research organization.