Former First Lady Roxane Gilmore dies

Roxane Gilmore, the former First Lady of Virginia and a former Henrico teacher, has died. Gilmore served as First Lady when her husband, Jim, was governor of Virginia from 1998 to 2002. Jim Gilmore's political career began in earnest when he served as Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney from 1988 to 1997.

Roxane Gilmore also taught in Chesterfield County and later as a professor at Randolph Macon College in Ashland.

In a statement Wednesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin expressed his condolences upon learning of her death.

"Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, former First Lady Roxane Gilmore," he said. "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."

Roxane Gilmore was a native of Suffolk and an alumna of the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in history, classics, and anthropology, and a master's degree in ancient history. At RMC, she taught Latin, Women in Ancient Literature, Roman History, Greek History, Epic Poetry, and Roman Briton. She also 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.

In 2012, she penned a book that detailed her efforts to oversee the renovation of the Executive Mansion, titled Restoring the Virginia Governor's House.

"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," Youngkin said. "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."