Diane Lula Iva Gilmore "Lady Di"

To view the service via YouTube please use the link below: https://www.youtube.com/live/rRYf9bzhUjQ?si=pGJ5N8JOSzSqRGDr To view the service via Facebook please use the link below: https://www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE/ Diane Lulu Iva Gilmore was born July 5, 1958, to Leavie Gilmore and Edith Stiggons Gilmore in Eustis, Florida. As a toddler Diane lived in Mt. Dora, Florida for a few years then moved with her family to Sorrento, Florida; after her parents purchased their first home. After graduating from Mt. Dora High School, located in Mt. Dora, Florida, she so bravely continued her journey by moving to Cleveland, Ohio to pursue her desire to become a nurse. Unfortunately, because of having severe asemia, after only one year of studies, Diane had to return to Sorrento, Florida. On January 17, 1976, Diane Lulu Iva Gilmore became the proud mother to her son, Ralphael Gilmore. Diane continued her educational studies and worked as a nurse for several years. In later years Diane worked for the Lake County Florida Head Start program and was the driver responsible for transporting the children. Due to her illness, she was forced to apply for her disability from Lake County Head Start in Eustis, Florida. Diane continued to be productive because of her youthful age and became a hairstylist and an upholster. She enrolled at Woody’s Hairstyling School of Orlando, Florida, and graduated as a Hair Stylist. She won many hairstyling competitions during her training before graduating. Continuing her desires she enrolled in school again to become an upholster and Floral Designer. She reupholstered furniture, and redesigned many antique and newer model vehicles for many years in the Central Florida area. Diane Lulu Iva Gilmore was a very talented young lady, she became a Nurse, Hairstylist, Upholstery, Floral Designer, and an excellent Cook. She loved to dress and was always dressed to impress wherever her journey led her. Her home was also extremely designed and clean at all times. As a child, Diane and her family attended Saint Mary Baptist Church where she sang in the children's choir and was Baptized at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Lorenzo “AL” Russell. Later she became a Member of Fountain of Life Church in Apopka, Florida under the leadership of Reverend Herbert Jackson, Sr. She again, moved to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, and became a member of Mount Bethel Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Lord in His infinite wisdom deemed it timely to call our beloved Diane Lula Iva Gilmore from her earthly home to her eternal home in glory on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with End Stage Renal and Congestive Heart Failure. Her doctors told her for over ten years that she would die without going on dialysis. She refused and lived her life as she had faith in God’s mercy. Her departure is leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving parents: Leavie Gilmore and Edith Stiggons-Gilmore; grandparents: John Lee Stiggons, Sr. and Katie Hunt Stiggons, Phil Gilmore and Lou Peterson Gilmore; sister: Minnie Louise Stiggons-Gamble; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins happily waiting to receive her. Diane Lulu Iva Gilmore leaves to cherish her loving memories: Son: Ralphael Gilmore (Keisha) of Rochester, NY; Sisters: Jannie M. Poole (Albert) of Miami Beach, FL; Linda L. Wright (Willie) of Fruitland Park, FL; Brothers: Lee F. Gilmore of Sorrento, FL; and Thomas Stiggons, Jr. (LaTasha) of Merritt Island, FL; Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren; Nieces: Nicole Wright of Kenosha, WI; Melinda Bryant (Keith), Talya and Etta Wright, LaSonya Poole (Eric Wilson, LFD), Yolanda Gilmore, LaReatha Gilmore and Helen R. Zanders; Nephews: Alfred Poole, Franklin Wright, Jr. (Ayah), and Ashima Gamble; Aunts: Julie McKinnon of Fruitland Park, FL; and Jearline Stiggons of Daytona, FL; Uncles: James Hamilton of Tangerine, FL, and Clarence Curry of Mt, Dora, FL; as well as a host of other great nieces, great nephews, cousins, many relatives and sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Diane Lula Iva Gilmore "Lady Di"

July 5, 1958 - May 14, 2024