Former VA First Lady Roxane Gilmore Dies; Youngkin Recalls Her Legacy

VIRGINIA — Roxane Gilmore, the former First Lady of Virginia, has died, according to a statement released Wednesday afternoon by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

From 1998 to 2002, Gilmore oversaw the renovation of Virginia's Executive Mansion, which she occupied following the election of her husband, former Republican Gov. Jim Gilmore, in January 1998.

Gov. Gilmore said his wife died Wednesday after a long illness, WWBT reported.

Roxane Gatling Gilmore was born in Suffolk, graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in history, classics and anthropology, and then earned a master’s degree in ancient history in 1978.

While at UVA, she met and married Jim Gilmore, later worked as a teacher with Henrico and Chesterfield County Public Schools, and taught classic literature courses at Randolph Macon College, the TV station said.

The following is Youngkin's full statement concerning the news of Roxane Gilmore's death:

"Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, former First Lady Roxane Gilmore. Our prayers are with Governor Gilmore, his sons Jay and Ashton, their families and Roxane’s extended family. Virginia has lost a wonderful woman who touched the lives of many Virginians.

"Roxane’s influence and impact on Virginia will be greatly missed but she has left a lasting legacy through her work, including in directing and overseeing the renovation of the Executive Mansion. From 1998 – 2000 she personally approved almost every detail to restore the structural integrity and interior of America’s longest continuously occupied Governor’s home. Virginia’s iconic Executive Mansion will always be her legacy.

"All of us who know the Gilmores, appreciate the love, strong support and counsel she provided the Governor throughout his impactful career in public service.

"A native of Suffolk, Roxane was a true scholar. She was an alumna of the University of Virginia with a BA in history, classics, and anthropology, and an MA in ancient history, Roxane taught in both the Chesterfield and Henrico public school systems, and served for many years as a professor of classics at Randolph Macon College where she taught Latin, Women in Ancient Literature, Roman History, Greek History, Epic Poetry, and Roman Briton. Roxane worked with the Virginia Department of Education to promote the Standards of Learning by creating an internet clearing house of resources for teachers, parents, students, and the business world.

"She worked with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to promote Virginia’s historic recreational and cultural treasurers and history and was heavily involved with the Jamestown Foundation in the historical and archeological findings in the original site excavations.

"Her friendly and down to earth demeanor will be missed, as will her smile, laugh, humor and wit. But all these wonderful qualities will be long remembered. Both my and Suzanne’s heartfelt sympathy go out to Governor Gilmore and the family, and we lift them up in our prayers. May God bless them."