Shirley Jean Lawler Gilliam

Shirley Jean Lawler Gilliam, age 89 of Jackson, passed away on December 6, 2023 in Bells, Tennessee.

Shirley was born on April 22, 1934 in Osceola, AR, the daughter of the late Granville Lawler and Theresa O’Keefe Lawler. She married the love of her life, Malcolm (Cigar) Gilliam, in November of 1955. She retired from the State of Tennessee Services for the Blind after 35 years of service. Shirley also loved travelling the United States visiting many National Parks and attending NASCAR races with her children and beloved husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm F. Gilliam, Sr. and her son, Malcolm F. Gilliam, Jr.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Leanne Gilliam Tippett (Gary) of Jackson, TN; two sons, Jeff Gilliam (Julie) of Virginia Beach, VA and Don Gilliam (Jordan) of Birmingham, AL; six grandchildren, Chris Tippett, Kelli Tippett Anglin (Joey), Riley Gilliam and Jake Gilliam, Madison Gilliam and Abigail Gilliam; and great grandchildren, Bailey Tippett, Easton Anglin and Everett Anglin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons officiated by Rev. Eric Rudsenske of Concordia Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in Browns Cemetery.