Eulogy for Mary Logan Gilmer by Jim Gilmer

Eulogy Jim presented at his step-mother's funeral:


Our mother was born and raised in the rugged hills and ragged “hollers” of northern Kentucky, at the time, a very isolated section of the state, in Lewis County. It was a time and place that required families to be self sufficient, for families to help other families in time of need, for a strong faith in the Almighty. Cash money was practically non-existent for most families. Government assistance programs as we know today didn’t exist.
Folks had to take care of themselves and each other. Mother was 9 years old when the Great Depression enveloped the country in 1929.


The Logan family had been in those hills and hollers since the late 1700’s. They were of Scots-Irish descent. Throughout their long history in Kentucky, mother’s ancestors had a strong streak of stubbornness, and toes that did not like to be stepped on.

Mary Gilmer in her late 80's

Mother’s character was molded to a large extent by the place and era in which she grew up, and by her Logan family genes. She had a strong will, unswerving principles, and practiced the art of frugality in her personal life. Yet she was very generous with kin and friends alike. However, those to whom she was a benefactor would at times feel the pull of attached strings, as mother would insist that the beneficiaries of her generosity use the proceeds wisely.


Mother was a strong believer in the power of education, as those of you who knew her can readily attest. She completed her AB degree with honors in 1957 at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY, while our father, J. T., stayed at home here in Harrisburg and worked and took care of Larry. After mother had completed her degree, she immediately started J. T, our dad, on his education journey. At the age of 46, dad began his education under mother’s tutelage, at the 7th grade level, and six years later, in 1963, at the young age of 52, dad received his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State Teachers College.


Mother was a teacher for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system for about 25 years. She first taught at Hickory Grove for about 14 years, and then at Cotswold until she retired in 1981. Some of her former students have told me that mother was a good teacher, but very strict – she expected her students to apply themselves.


She was an active member of this church for over 60 years, and most recently was Church Historian and a member of the Session.

Mother devoted the past years as a tireless volunteer at the Cabarrus Senior Center, and the Lunch Plus program here in Harrisburg. (Mother is on left in photo)
Mother had countless “best friends” in the church, the Senior Center programs, and in the community. She was always ready to help some one who needed help, and to give advice. There might have been a few times mother gave advice when not asked!


Mother led a life of contribution to her work, her family, her church and to the community. She loved her family and friends dearly, and we all loved her. I believe she was the epitome of that “good and faithful servant”.