Marian "Mimi" Gilmer Rousse
March 17, 1928 ~ November 6, 2026
Born in:
Miami, Florida
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailAsheville- Marian “Mimi” Gilmer Rousse, 98, of Asheville, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026 at Givens Health Center.
A native of Miami, FL, she was a daughter of the late Ford and Bette Gilmer. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Halyburton, her second husband, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) William C. Rousse as well as a daughter, Donna Jo Thompson.
Mimi traded the sunny beaches and palm trees of Miami for the Blue Ridge Mountains, eventually finding her forever home at Givens Estates. Walking its halls, she effortlessly brought a smile to the face of everyone she crossed paths with. A passionate dancer, she treasured her family above all else, proudly embracing her roles as a mother, grandmother, and new great-grandmother, while always saving plenty of affection for her famous cat, Rhett Butler.
Marian is survived by her son, Dan Halyburton (Kristy) of Greenville, SC, and daughter, Kate Pearson Halyburton; a grandson, Joseph Thompson (Karah) of Alabaster, AL and as well as a great-grandson, Jaxon Daniel Thompson; cousins, Merinda Hale, Christopher Hale (Roberta) and special friends Kathy and Tom Meeks.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 13, 2026 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Black Mountain. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 13 in the Pulliam Chapel at Givens Estates.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
Celebration of Life: November 13, 2026 2:00 pm
Givens Estates, Norma Pulliam Chapel
100 Wesley Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
(828)274-4800
She will be missed, but never forgotten.
See you again some day Mimi 🙏🏼💔