Pauline Gilmore

Pauline "Polly" Gilmore passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026. A lifelong resident of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Polly was born on July 22, 1928, to the late Bronco C. and Pearl M. Patterson. She was known as a true community treasure by her many friends and family. She inspired all who knew her through her active lifestyle well into her nineties. An avid gardener who took great pride in maintaining a pristine lawn on her own, she was honored at the age of 86 with a coveted Vestavia Hills neighborhood beautification award.

Her most beautiful characteristic was her incredible loving spirit. Polly encouraged everyone she met to live their best life and always look for the good. Her words will be remembered by all who loved her: "Life is short - you have to be happy." And happy she was.

Polly found her greatest joy spending time with her family. She cherished celebrations with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings and extended family. To her family, she was a beacon of light, showing her children how to navigate life's storms with strength and courage. Polly raised her four children with grit, grace, humor, and an unwavering smile.

Polly had a smile for everyone she met and always a kind word to share, which is why she made friends so easily. She made many dear friends at Star Lake in Hoover, where she enjoyed walking with her many companions. She often marveled, "I have made some of the best friends of my life in my eighties and nineties." Her lake friends affectionately referred to her as the Mayor of Star Lake.

A natural magnet for her community, Polly brought people together wherever she went. In recent years, her Star Lake friends started Polly's Prayer Partners, a prayer group helping others grow in their faith in the Lord. The group has now grown to over 40 members.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde E. Gilmore, Sr., a WWII POW and Bataan Death March survivor; her parents, Bronco C. and Pearl M. Patterson; her son, Clyde "Bud" E. Gilmore, Jr.; brothers John B. Patterson, Warren G. Patterson, and Teddy L. Patterson; and sisters Loretta L. James, Reba N. Brooks, and Betty J. Patterson. She is survived by her sons, Clayton "Clay" E. Gilmore (Debbie) and Steven "Steve" E. Gilmore (Janet); her daughter, Julia G. Morris (Scott); sister, Eleanor M. Bailey; grandchildren Melissa Culbreth (Andrew), Jenny Reed (Michael), Kerri Gilmore ( Kyle Ellison), Scott Gilmore (Rachel), Jessica Kivette (Nick), Steven Gilmore (Kim), Megan Gilmore (Thomas Hill), and Emma Cowart (Ben); 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, her indomitable spirit will remain an enduring testament to the power of love and resilience. Her life was a gift, and her legacy is the love she poured into everyone around her.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers as the charity.