Jacob Wilmont Sr.

Mr. Jacob Wilmont Sr. was born in Jackson County, March 8, 1932 to Mr. Oscar and Mrs. Omie Wilmont. Jacob transitioned on November 4, 2023.

Mr. Wilmont was married to Cora Bonds Wilmont and Marie Young Wilmont. He was a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church, and later went on to join St. John Missionary Baptist Church, were he song in the male chorus and served religiously.

Jacob loved playing checkers and going to Gainesville High School games. He also loved watching his grandkids play games, singing in the church choir. He loved eating at Rabbit Town Café and Burger King with his friends.

Jacob Wilmont was a jack-of-all-trades. He has driven a taxicab, operated a local community center and owned a couple of small businesses throughout the years, including a grocery store. Gainesville residents might recognize him from one of his many endeavors. His presence was most visible at Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy. The 83-year-old was the school’s traffic guard. Wilmont dons a luminescent jacket twice a day to help guide drivers and promote safety along Enota Avenue in Gainesville. Plus, he had an added incentive.

With nearly 40 years of experience under his belt, Wilmont was known for his skill and efficiency.

Wilmont arrived 20 minutes early for his shift every day. Then he sets up the orange cones on the road to mark the beginning or ending of the school day. Finally, he slips on his luminescent jacket and white gloves to direct the onslaught of cars, vans and trucks descending on the school to pick up awaiting children.

Wilmont did not limit his time on school grounds to mornings and afternoons. He also worked at PTA meetings or other events such as basketball and football games. During athletic events he ensures the parking for emergency vehicles, which needed to be close to the field or gym. He also locked up the gate after games.

When Wilmont was first approached about the position, he originally turned the job down.

The Gainesville Police Department instructed him on the proper ways to signal traffic through a school zone.

However, the school assignment was not Wilmont’s first stint as a traffic guard. He worked for Gainesville Parks and Recreation as a traffic guard as well as the supervisor of seven playgrounds across the city. He also supervised the other traffic guards.

The only element he did not enjoy about the job is being outside when it’s cold or raining.
And whether he was praising God at church or protecting children at school, Wilmont did those things religiously.

Jacob was preceded in death by his parents Mr.Oscar and Mrs. Omie Wilmont, his wife Cola (Bonds) Wilmont, Marie (Young) Wilmont, grandson Elijah Wilmont; brothers Roger Lennon, Grover, Buck, Eugene, J.C, and Deland; sisters Corlene Wilmont Smith and Annie R. Rucker.

He leaves the cherish his memory, two sons, Jacob Wilmont Jr. and Corey Wilmont. One daughter, Keisha Wilmont. Grandson Legend Wilmont, Granddaughters Serenity Franklin and London Byrd. One brother Sammy Wilmont. A large host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also leaves behind his beautiful special niece, Ella Jean Smith.

The visitation for Mr. Wilmont will be held Friday, November 10th at Wimberly Funeral Home between the hours of 12-8pm. The family will recieve friends between the hours of 6-8pm. Mr. Wilmont's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 11th at The Butler Center at the hour of 1pm. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.