What Family and Friends Say About Ali Gilmore

This is Just Toooo Much!!!
I really don't know what to say. I remember when I first met Ali. It was her freshman year at FAMU. She and my sister Zaneta were roommates and best friends. But Ali became my sister too. I remember her first summer of college, she and Zaneta came home and they stayed at the house for the summer and Ali stayed with me in my room. Ali do you remember we used to get hot in the middle the night, and one of us used to sneak and turn the AC on while Momma was sleep.

Ali and I, also became good friends. We have always had this bond. I would call her on a Wednesday and say I'll be up there to see you on Friday and there I went. One year after Ali got her new house I came and we spent Thanksgiving together and to my surprise, she made this wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and most of all I enjoyed the 7 layer yellow cake w/ chocolate icing (homemade? You go Ali). And every time I visited she knew I wanted one of those cakes and she went out of her way to make it.

When Ali became pregnant the first time she came to Gainesville with a friend of hers and her two boys and she was so excited she was wearing maternity clothes before it was even near time. LOLOLOL. I had recently had a little boy. We loaded her Monte Carlo up with as much baby stuff as would fit. And we didn't even know what she was having. She was so ecstatic. But Ali all of that stuff is still waiting on you and the baby. That is all that I can think about are the good things. Ali, you are part of our family. I mean, her sweet demeanor and loving spirit how could anyone want to harm her. I am sorry I just don't know what to think. And I really don't put anything past anyone anymore. This whole ordeal has been most difficult for Zaneta, my sister. Zaneta and Ali talked at least 4 times a day everyday. Her and Ali have been through sooooooo much together and really, Ali was her only real friend. The only person she confided in, the only person she really trusted to be there for her like she was there. She is soooooooo lost. They had so many plans especially with the baby. They are both pregnant together. And when she gets to certain milestones with her pregnancy. She always says and Ali is this many weeks right now, and Ali would be doing this, or Ali and I are supposed to be doing this. That really breaks my heart. She sobs uncontrollably. I don't know how to comfort her. I don't know how to give her relief. The only thing I know is JESUS. So to all of you and even myself. JESUS died for us. God loves each and everyone of us. And he is too wise and too just to make a mistake. And I know first hand that it is difficult to sit back and watch things like this happen and it hurts us soooooo bad, but as hard as it is we must learn to accept what God Allows. Because he knows best.

So Father God, if it is your will for Ali and the baby to come home, send them home we all miss them and it hurts us so bad. And Lord let the perpetrator of such a heinous crime be brought to justice. I don't know who did this. I just pray that one day God will lay it on my heart to forgive you or something but right now, I too am hurting. Why would you do this to her. She obviously trusted you and you took advantage of that. You manipulated her to suit your own twisted perversions. You are sick.

~ YVONNE ALLEN, LIKE A SISTER ~ 05-11-2006

Miss You All the Time
Ali, I tremendously miss you. Please come home soon! I've had dreams of your coming home and just want you to know that I don't care where you have been, I just miss you.

~ Karen Freeman, Friend ~ 05-10-2006

She helped me
It was an August night about 11:15. I was leaving the Publix on Apalachee Parkway with some grocery bags in a cart. The car I was driving was not my own.

I heard an excited voice from the exit of the store. "Oooh, Richard's car! Richard's car!"

I turned and saw a young woman on her tip toes wearing a light green store tunic. I approached her as she skipped toward me. Indeed, I was driving Richard's car, the gold Corolla with the Challenger license plate. Richard had been a fan of the space program as well as things medical. As a radio reporter for many years he covered stories on these topics. There was a Kerry sticker on the back windshield. I think this was the first campaign sticker he ever put on his car (our son did it). Our training as journalists required us to neutral, but we weren't in the profession anymore He and Kerry had been classmates.

In 1989 he changed professions and pursued his hobby of data-base management on a personal computer just as the State of Florida was converting from main-frames to personal computers. Richard wanted more time for his children, who were five and three at the time.

Richard joined the Florida Department of Health as a computer analyst in 1998. Shortly after, Ali started there, her first job after graduation from Florida A&M University where she studied health statistics. They worked in the Bureau of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. When he started, I, his wife, admonished him humorously not to bring his work home with him. The work was highly confidential in the area of HIV data Once I called him and heard loud vacuuming. He was cleaning his own office, he explained, since janitors were not permitted there.

Ali told me that she knew the car well and had seen it parked daily in front of the Prather Building in the Southwood state office complex. I was driving it to keep it healthy. Richard, my partner and husband of 33 years, had passed four months earlier.

She introduced herself as Richard's co-worker since 1998. They worked together preparing quarterly reports for the National Institutes of Health. He taught her Fox Pro, software for data-base management. They had eaten lunch together. They had talked about their lives. She then began to share with me a number of stories, some funny, some touching, as he struggled with a badly broken ankle and then bladder cancer in the last several years of his life.

I was fascinated. Soon it was midnight. She was concerned her husband would worry, and I gave her my cell phone to call him. After that I looked for her in the bakery when I shopped in the evening. I marveled that she could work all day from around 8 am and then work in the bakery until 11 pm. She never seemed tired. Little did I know that in six months she would disappear. I am particularly grateful for that one talk we had. She helped me a great deal with my grief. I pray for that she is in a good place wherever she is.

~ Linda Miklowitz de Revere, Friend ~ 05-06-2006

To Ali
Ali, I remember when we first met. It was at T.O.P.S. the Summer of 93. We would be starting FAMU that Fall. We were planning on the same major. Although I was a Junior and you were a Freshman, we hit it off and became friends. We lost touch after I graduated, but when you showed up at my wedding reception,in 98,with Albert and Tajuana, I was soooooo happy to see you! I later moved back to Tallahassee in 2003, and realized that we were attending the same church. Of course, it was great to see you then. So now, I am looking forward to seeing you and that precious little angel. God's got this in control. I continue to pray for your safety and your return home. May God continue to keep His loving arms around you and your family, and give them the strength to endure. See you soon Ali!

~ LaShun Hooks, Friend ~ 05-04-2006

Bring Our Loved One Home
Ali it has now been 86 days too long. I miss you! Come Home! Each day that passes is more difficult than the previous. Another day passes and I don’t receive a call from you, no voice mail, no e-mail, no nothing. Where are you? Ali we have so much to do for my God-daughter (Jasmine Angel). Pleaseee, Ali come home! I have so many great plans for the shower and I have lots of new baby items to show you. If someone reading this message knows where my friend is please, please inform the police and her family. This must end, please bring our loved one home to us.

~ Angel Watson, Friend ~ 05-01-2006

God is Faithful to Hear and Answer Prayer
When I heard that Ali Gilmore was missing my heart went out to her family at once. When I found out that this beautiful girl worked at DOH just down the hall from where I work, I thought Wow! this could have been me. Although we don't know where Ali is right now we can be assured that God is still in control and he knows where Ali is. I pray everyday for her return. I pray also that God keeps His comforting arms around Ali's family as they continue the search for their loved one.

Sometimes it is really hard to stay focused on the Love of the Lord when we are hurting so deeply, that is why we are a family in the Kingdom of God. We can hold up Ali's family as they go forward through this trial. Praise God for His love and comfort. I did not know you Ali personally but through my prayers I feel like I know you now. I pray from the very bottom of my heart that you are ok and that you will be home soon. I pray everyday in the Precious Name of Jesus and I know in my knower that God has Ali in the palm of His hand whether she be here of there. To her family, Just never give up! Heaven is being bombarded with all of our prayers and God is faithful to hear our prayers and answer our cries. Hang in there! A Child of the King.

~ Barbara Jean Hard, Co-worker ~ 05-01-2006

Petition to God
I woke up this morning thinking about Ali, her family and all of the people that love and care for her so much. In the midst of those thoughts, I began to petition God on their behalf. I prayed that God will place his hedge of protection around each of them over and over again. I am praying for Ali's safe return soon and praying that God's comfort encircle them in the meantime.

Ms. Vetta, Mr. Carl, Tracy, Atallah, please continue to be strong for Ali. I don't know how you do it as a mere mortal being, so I pray that God will give you the strength you need during this trying time.

Now, from the perspective of a mother, a daughter, a sister and as a friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Andrea Stephenson, Family Friend ~ 04-23-2006

MISSING ANGEL
I DON'T THINK THERE IS A NICER PERSON TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ON GODS GREEN EARTH. AS A HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND OF ALI, I KNOW THAT SHE IS A VERY KIND AN LOVING PERSON. SHE IS A PERSON THAT YOU CAN COUNT ON TO BE ON YOUR SIDE AND TO ALWAYS HAVE A KIND WORD TO SAY. ALL EFFORTS NEED TO BE MADE TO BRING THIS ANGEL HOME TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

~ JEFF HOWELL, FRIEND ~ 04-18-2006

TO ALI
When I think of you, I think, caring and loving. Your personality is just that (CARING AND LOVING). Your personality is always the same, no matter your hardships (Concerns, Sad, upset, etc). You were always the same caring and loving. You never had a harsh word about anyone, that I have ever heard. We worked together, became friends and shared your heart with me from time to time (your hurts, and joys). But through it all never a harsh word about anybody. You always cared about others. I am remembering a very nice coat that you offered me, and when I asked how much you wanted for it you said, nothing. Ali I still ware that coat. I always think about you, how you are doing, where you are, and most of all, I pray that the Lord will reveal where you are and that you are safe. Ali where ever you are remember that you are: (THE MOST WONDERFUL EXPRESSION OF GOD'S CREATION). Ali we are all waiting with arms stretched to receive you back home with love. Additionally, we were supposed to get together for lunch and I am still waiting to have lunch with you so get yourself, back home girl.

~ Scarlita Townsend, Friend ~ 04-17-2006

Prayers Go Heard All The Time
Prayers are always heard. All the while he is listening to you waiting for you to call on his name and to answer your prayers. At this time let us pray: “Dear heavenly father we call on you in this time of need, asking that you hear our roar of discomfort for our beloved Ali I Grimsley-Gilmore and let her hear us and send her home to our family in good health and spirit. We dare not question you but, we wait oh so humble for you to speak to us about our beloved daughter, sister, friend, aunt, cousin, and niece. Please release your angels around her parents and siblings and the family, and all that is praying for Ali to return home”. Your uncle was proud of you, and so am I. I’m just waiting to hear from you and the baby. God bless and keep you. Love aunt Sennie.

~ SENNIE GRIMSLEY, AUNT ~ 04-14-2006

Ali you are in my prayers
Hi Ali, I have never meet you before but I heard about you missing at your church C.H.C. which I now attend. I know everyone their has prayed for your safe return. I have a 16yr old daughter that I think about what if it was her, I would want people to help out too, so that is why I am concerned. Last wednesday they past out flyers to help search so I went last weekend saturday and sunday to try to help. I met one of your sisters and your brother, you have a great family and I know they love you and they just want you home safe. You and your family are in my prayers.I pray, I will get to meet you one day. I also pray right now that if any one knows what happened to Ali that God will touch their heart and let some one know. God Bless everyone!

~ tony moore, concerned citizen ~ 04-14-2006

Missing You
Ali, I miss you so much. Many times I am tempted to send you a funny or inspirational E-mail as I have done so many times in the past. But reality sets in and I realize you are not there. Where are you, Ali? Without your visits, phone calls and e-mails, there is a huge void, an emptiness that can only be filled by your presence. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I ask God to please reveal your whereabouts to us. Sometimes, I find it so hard to focus on the task at hand because you are heavily on my mind and heart. I think of you constantly and I pray without ceasing for your safe return home. I love you dearly. Bettye (Big Chief).

~ Bettye Knighton, Sister ~ 04-14-2006

Where Are You
Greeting All, I don't know were to begin. I'll start from here. What can I say that has not already been said. Your absence has effective all near and far. We haven't had much time to speak over the years. I remember the drive you had, and the dedication to achieve was so strong. The smile on your face. I would love to see you smile again. Ali we love you here in New York. I pray every night for your return. I pray that someone, somewhere will have the courage to stand-up, and tell us Where You ARE. There is someone out there who does know Where You Are?

~ Belinda Jemmott, cousin ~ 04-13-2006

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