Gayle Dilling Elmore

Clover, SC

Gayle Dilling Elmore of Gastonia, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024 at Lake Wylie Assisted Living.

She is survived by daughters, Amy Elmore Parks (Tony) of Kings Mountain, Molly Elmore Lloyd of Bluffton, SC, and Emily Elmore Wilson (Bryan) of Charlotte; siblings, Becky Dilling Conrad, Gastonia, and Marshall Dilling, III (Phyllis), Gastonia; grandchildren, Katherine Doctor (Landon), Claire Hutchins, William Parks, Jack Lloyd, Virginia Lloyd, Cameron Joyce, Ethan Joyce (Erin), Levi Joyce, Mason Joyce (Madison) Sarah Wilson, and Jason Wilson; and six great grandchildren: Annabelle, Olivia, Banner, Ayden, Emory, and Shayne.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William Glenn (Jack) Elmore, Jr., whom she met in eleventh grade at Ashley High School; parents Marshall Dilling, Jr. and Mabel Beaudrot Dilling, and daughter Gaye Dilling Elmore Joyce.

Gayle graduated from Ashley High School in 1961, attended Greensboro College, and graduated from Belmont Abbey College.

She was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities: Wedding Director, Chancel Choir, Childrens’ Choir mother, Girl Scout leader, United Methodist Women's Circle, and Joy Sunday School class. Her greatest service was as a member of the Altar Guild. She took pride preparing the altar with flowers for worship each week.

Gayle was known for her love of flowers, butterflies, and gardening. She often entertained family, friends, neighbors, and church members in their beautiful home filled with spectacular garden flowers.

Gayle was an educator for much of her life. She taught at Myrtle School and Ashley High School in the 1960s. She worked at Lithium Corporation and Gaston College helping students earn their GED. She finished her career at Mount Holly Middle School.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family sharing stories and memories of her extended family, the North Carolina Mountains, and Greenwood, SC.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 at First United Methodist Church in Gastonia. Visitation will follow at the church.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 218, Gastonia, NC 28053.

Condolence messages may be made online at www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Elmore family.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gayle Dilling Elmore of Gastonia, North Carolina, who passed away on April 17, 2024, at the age of 82, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by : her husband William Glenn Elmore, Jr. (Jack); her parents, Marshall Dilling, Jr. and Mabel Beaudrot Dilling; and her daughter Gaye Dilling Elmore Joyce. She is survived by : her daughters, Amy Elmore Parks (Tony) of Kings Mountain, Molly Elmore Lloyd of Bluffton, SC and Emily Elmore Wilson (Bryan) of Charlotte; her siblings, Becky Dilling Conrad and Marshall Dilling, III (Phyllis); her grandchildren, Katherine Doctor (Landon), Claire Hutchins, William Parks, Jack Lloyd, Virginia Lloyd, Cameron Joyce, Ethan Joyce (Erin), Levi Joyce, Mason Joyce Sarah Wilson (Madison) and Jason Wilson; and her great grandchildren, Annabelle, Olivia, Banner, Ayden, Emory and Shayne.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 20th 2024 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church (190 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052).

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 218, Gastonia, NC 28053.