Obituary for Lisa Spurlock Gilmore LAFAYETTE, CO—Lisa Spurlock Gilmore, 34, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 2nd, 2018, in the presence of her family and close friends after an intense battle with late stage breast cancer. She was a Christian, wife, mother, teacher, and dear friend. A native and resident of Louisville, KY, Ms. Gilmore was the daughter of two classically trained musicians, Daniel and Gloria Spurlock, and she followed in her parents’ footsteps leading a personal and professional life filled with music.
While beginning her musical studies on piano and violin at age 3, Ms. Gilmore was most known for her prodigious abilities on the harp. She began playing the harp at age 8 and quickly became an accomplished harpist, providing music for weddings and other events by the age of 9. Ms. Gilmore enrolled—on full scholarship—in the summer harp classes of internationally renowned harpist Susann McDonald, as well as Indiana University’s Pre-College Harp Program, where she studied under other prominent instructors Elzabieta Szmyt and Ann Yeung.
As a performer, she was nationally recognized for her excellence, including earning first prize in the Grandjany Division (1997) and the Anne Adams Award (2002). She also attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she had the opportunity to study further under the same faculty who were so instrumental in her early success. Upon returning to Louisville, Ms. Gilmore firmly established herself in the local music community, providing music for hundreds of weddings and social events, making appearances on local radio and television stations, as well as collaborating with dozens of members of the Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Chorus for various projects and appearances.
Among her most enduring achievements was the founding and directing of the Louisville Harp Academy where, in a span of over 12 years, she touched the lives of countless people—both young and old—by sharing and teaching the joys of music on the instrument she so loved and was so incredibly gifted. As was shared of her in memoriam in the national Harp Column musical journal, Ms. Gilmore, in her own words, wrote, “At the Louisville Harp Academy, we strongly encourage anyone interested in music to pursue training and development of their ability as an artist. Playing a musical instrument not only increases brain development, self-awareness, and analytical skills, but it also can become a favorite life-long hobby or career”.
Ms. Gilmore married in 2008 and was the dedicated mother of two sons, and was no less excellent in her personal life as she was in her professional life. She will be most remembered for her mild and caring nature, her servant’s heart, unflinching faith, independence, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, W. Andrew Gilmore; her children, Ezekiel and Levi; her parents, Daniel and Gloria Spurlock; and her brother, Paul Spurlock.
Visitation: Friday, July 13th, 2018, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East, 12900 Shelbyville Rd. , Louisville, KY 40243. Funeral Service: Saturday, July 14th, 2018, 10:00 am; St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 319 Browns Ln.
, Louisville, KY 40207. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lisa Spurlock Gilmore please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Louisville Memorial Gardens East 11601 Ballardsville Rd Louisville, KY, KY, 40241 www.
louisvillememorialgardens.com , Previous Events Visitation , JUL 13. 03:00 PM – 08:00 PM Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home – East Louisville 12900 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY, US, 40243 admin@rattermans.com www. rattermanbrothers.com Funeral Service , JUL 14.
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