Carol Romona Gilmer, known to her closest family as "Nana", passed away on August 26, 2022 at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

She was born on November 19, 1945 in Charleston, West Virginia to Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Gladys Thomas. She was educated in Kanawha County school systems. As a child, she was reared in the church, and from a young age felt a call on her life to serve the Lord in ministry. It wasn't until later in life did the call become clear to her, prompting her decision to fully commit to that call.

She was a gifted seamstress having learned the trade from "Joe the Tailor." Her handiwork was on display throughout the area. She honed her craft having done alteration work for Frankinburgers and Silver Brands department stores in Charleston. In 1998 while shopping at Piece Goods fabric store in Kanawha City, Carol was working on a large fabric purchase. Debbie Thomas, who had recently moved to Charleston, overheard the conversation and asked, "why so much fabric?". Carol shared that she was making choir robes for Ferguson Baptist Church. Debbie shared a source who was able to give Carol a better price. A friendship/partnership was formed. They began working together in Debbie's basement, and by 2001 had secured space for a store called Creating New Creations, Inc. They invited Tequila Vaden to join them, as well as hiring others later. Their refrain was "we pride ourselves by doing what God has gifted us to do." Each morning was seasoned with prayer before opening the store. Later, Carol ventured out as a sole proprietor and founded Creative Sewing. where she worked until retirement .

Her ministry was also exciting and fulfilling. She was an active member of Temple of Faith Ministries where Bishop T.D. Jakes was pastor. She served as a member of the media ministry; assisting with the spreading of the gospel through helping Bishop Jakes with the distribution of sermons and teachings, via cassettes (remember those?), until he relocated to Dallas, Texas. During that time, she caught the eye of Harold Gilmer. He noticed her while crossing paths at various ministry functions where there was often food for the body following the food for the spirit. They got acquainted as two who professed a shared love for the Lord and later each other. On January 12, 2002, they were united in marriage. Carol subsequently became a member of the Institute Church of the Nazarene, where she and her husband worked together in ministry. Possessing the gift of helps, she dove right in. She served with the ushers, the women's ministry, and the praise team among other areas. A talented cook and baker, she lovingly shared her talent at church and especially with family. She made a mean peach cobbler, coffee cake, lemon meringue pie (let's just stop right there!) She was a loving soul who was loved immensely and possessed wisdom, and a fervent faith in the Lord.

She will be dearly missed. She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted and loving husband, Harold; stepchildren, David "Sleepy", Harold Jr. (Lorraine), Anthony (Gwen), Victor (Crissy), Bryan (Dominique), Jewel (Del); one sister, Louvinia Scott; her beloved doggy child Mitzy; 12 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. As we grieve her loss, we celebrate her receiving her reward and look forward with great hope to the reunion to come in eternity.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, at Institute Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.