Jo Gallimore's Obituary
Jo Mullins Gallimore died peacefully on Feb. 24, 2015, surrounded by family. She was born to Obe and Opal Mullins on April 24, 1927, in Trezevant, TN. She attended Union University, UT Martin, and graduated from UT Knoxville. She married George W. Gallimore, and they moved to Memphis where they reared their children. She taught at Gragg School (4th grade), Sherwood Junior High (substitute), and Southside High (vocational home economics). She later worked in the Vocational Division of Memphis City Schools where she wrote curriculum among other projects. After her retirement, she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and volunteering at Colonial Park United Methodist Church where she was a member for over 50 years. She worked in the church’s Sunday nursery for many years and had a talent for soothing fussy babies. Her love for all babies, children, and young people earned her the nickname of “Mama Jo.” She also enjoyed attending regular workshops at the church, making baby afghans and greeting cards for the United Methodist Women’s annual bazaar. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Marjorie Mullins Ray, and her nephew, Allen Neil Howland Ray. She is survived by her husband, George W. Gallimore, her son, George W. Gallimore, Jr, two daughters, Jo Claire Merrill (Richard) and Debbie Lassiter (Bob), and her caregiver and friend, Nicole Brown. She also leaves five grandchildren, Cheryl Lassiter Prather (Tim), Mark Lassiter, and William, Tommy, and Joe Merrill, as well as two great-grandchildren, Jack and Caroline Prather. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis who attended to her needs during a long hospital stay, especially her long-time physician, Dr. Cary Finn, and the nurses and staff of 3 South. After a private burial, the family will receive guests at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Garden Room of Colonial Park United Methodist Church, 5330 Park Ave. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Colonial Park United Methodist Church, St. Benedict at Auburndale High School, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119,”Behind the Stone Wall.”
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