Obituaries

Name:

" Adell Gilmore "

Also Known As

"SISSY"

Stream Link

Livestream Link

D.O.B:

9/12/1924

D.O.D

03/31/2026

Country From:

USA

State / Parish:

Georgia

District

Savannah

Place of Death

Brooklyn, New York

Service Date

04/09/2026

3:00pm

Details:

The funeral for the late Adell Gilmore will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Glover Memorial Baptist Church located at 2134 Dean St, Brooklyn NY 11233. The viewing will be held from 3pm-5pm followed by the funeral service at 5pm. Please give your condolences to the Gilmore family.

Special Info

Obituary for Willie Jo Adell Gilmore "SISSY"

Willie Jo Adell Gilmore, affectionately known as Adell, was born on September 12, 1924, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Mary Stricklyn and Thomas Gilmore. She was the youngest of seven siblings. At the age of seven, she moved with her family to Brooklyn, New York, where she would build a long, full, and unforgettable life.

As she grew older, Willie Jo chose to go by the name Adell Gilmore—a name that suited her strength, her independence, and her spirit. She was the proud mother of two children: her son Alphonso Gilmore, and her daughter Carol Gilmore, who preceded her in death.

Adell worked for many years at Jack LaLanne, where she served as the manager of the cleaning crew. She outlived the era, the man, and the memories, carrying her humor and resilience through every chapter of her life

Adell had a deep love for cats and was truly a "cat lady," always having one by her side. Her favorite baby was Charlise. She would lovingly tell all her cats, "I love you—but if you mess with my wigs, you're out the door." Remarkably, every cat she ever had respected that rule and never touched her wigs.

Family was the center of Adell's world. She lived surrounded by her loved ones for decades, remaining in the same family home even after the passing of her mother. She buried many she loved, yet continued forward with grace, loyalty, and unwavering devotion.

After her mother's passing, Adell's life shifted. She found her way to church, left her partying days behind, and embraced her faith. Through this journey she formed a lifelong bond with Ester Butler, who became both a dear friend and spiritual companion. The Butler family became her extended church family, and Adell attended every one of their funerals. She was the last one left—until now, reunited with both her partying family and her church family in glory. As she grew older, around the age of 90, she needed assistance with her meals and everyday living.

She was blessed to have the most devoted caregiver, Mrs. Lucy. Lucy did everything with her staying overnight to keep her company and even traveled with her to Virginia. Lucy became like family, caring for her with love and compassion. God bless her, Lucy passed away two weeks before Adell. I truly believe Lucy lovingly called her home to be with her.

Adell was fun, lively, and full of personality. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored her right back. Her home was always filled with laughter, stories, and love.

Adell Gilmore predeceased four brothers Kenetth, Pop, Alphonso, Junior and one sister Etta and Niece Fajita. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son and daughter-in-law

Alphonso and Vanessa Gilmore; her niece Joann, Delores; her nephew Butchy; her granddaughters Tonia (Warren) and Melissa (Allen Brown); her six great-grandchildren Robert, Marcus, Elijah, Isaiah, Josiah, and Micaiah; and a host of family and friends who will forever carry her legacy in their hearts.

After 101 remarkable years, Adell has earned her rest. Her journey was long, her love was deep, and her impact would live on for generations.

9/12/24-3/31/26

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course: I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7

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