Roxane Gatling Gilmore, the former first lady of Virginia, died Wednesday morning after battling a “long illness”, according to the office of former Governor Jim Gilmore.
Gilmore, a native of Suffolk, served as first lady from 1998 to 2002. In announcing her death, Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted her legacy of honoring Virginia’s history and restoring the governor’s Executive Mansion.
“Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, former First Lady Roxane Gilmore,” Youngkin’s announcement read. “Our prayers are with Governor Gilmore, his sons Jay and Ashton, their families and Roxane’s extended family. Virginia has lost a wonderful woman who touched the lives of many Virginians.”
She graduated from Suffolk High School and attended the University of Virginia where she earned a B.A. in history, classics, and anthropology. She earned her M.A. in ancient history in 1978. Gilmore taught in Chesterfield and Henrico counties and later became a professor at Randolph Macon College teaching Latin, women in ancient literature, Roman history, Greek history, epic poetry and Roman Britain, according to the office of the former governor.
The Pilot reported in 1998, a few weeks ahead of her husband taking over as governor, that she would continue to work as a teacher despite her family’s newfound prominence.
“All of us who know the Gilmores, appreciate the love, strong support and counsel she provided the Governor throughout his impactful career in public service,” Youngkin’s statement continued. “Her friendly and down to earth demeanor will be missed, as will her smile, laugh, humor and wit. But all these wonderful qualities will be long remembered.”
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
