Deacon Napoleon Gilmore

GILMORE, Deacon Napoleon - Age 84, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at his residence. Family hour 1:30 PM Thursday, September 26, 2024 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 2:00 PM. Pastor Blake Strozier, officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home 1:30 PM Thursday. Deacon Gilmore will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wednesday. Napoleon Gilmore Sr. was born on July 24, 1940 in Ozan, Arkansas to Emmett Gilmore Sr. and Ruth Hill Gilmore. When Napoleon was twelve years old, his mother passed away and he was raised by his grandparents, Mazrine and Rush Staggers. Napoleon received his education from Clow Training School and Blevins High School. He excelled, advanced a year ahead, and graduated in 1958 - the same year as his older brother, Joe. In 1963, Napoleon joined his siblings and made the move to Flint, Michigan. That same year, he was drafted to the United States Army and served until his Honorable Discharge two years later. In 1965, Napoleon began his career at General Motors Corporation where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 1995. On June 26, 1966, Napoleon married the love of his life, Lena. To this union, a son and daughter, Napoleon Jr. and Tracey, were born. Napoleon Sr. and Lena were happily married for 58 great years. He attended Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Saginaw, Michigan where he was an ordained Deacon and faithful member for many decades. Napoleon was a God-fearing man and can be remembered saying, “Everything changes, but the Word of God.” Napoleon was an extraordinary man. Some words to describe him would be witty, kind, thoughtful, trustworthy, a devoted husband, phenomenal father, grandfather, dependable relative and friend. Many recall that he would bring his wife coffee every morning and would even go across town to deliver coffee to his daughter for over 20 years. He was a very involved grandfather as well, transporting his grandchildren wherever they needed to go (on time), playing with them, helping them with homework, and teaching them life skills along the way. He really loved his family and would do anything for them and those near him. He was always there whenever you needed him - any hour, any occasion, and without hesitation. Napoleon’s hobbies included baseball, softball, fishing, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and watching Western films and sports on television. He was also extremely handy and smart. He could fix any and everything and was always lending a helping hand to others. Napoleon Gilmore Sr. leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: loving wife, Lena Gilmore; son, Napoleon (Roxanne) Gilmore Jr.; daughter, Tracey (Kenneth) Silas; grandson, Napoleon Gilmore III, three granddaughters, Bria (John) Perkins, Shatoya Thomas, and Kariya Thompson; great-grandson, Bryson Perkins; great-granddaughter, Mia Perkins; two brothers, Eddie (Alice) Gilmore and Cleo (Pearl) Gilmore; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including longtime special friends, Henry Williams and Bernard Terry Jr.

Deacon Napoleon Gilmore

July 24, 1940 - September 17, 2024