Nora Dennis Gilliland

Nora Jean Gilliland, our dear mother, was called home to join our daddy (Leon Gilliland) and brother, (Rusty Gilliland) in Heaven on Wednesday November 3, 2021 at 9:45am. She leaves behind a legacy of love and exemplary faithfulness. Her fervent prayer life has undoubtedly benefited each of her loved ones. No matter the trial or tribulation, she never lost faith or stopped praying.

Nora was an excellent homemaker and right hand to Leon in the garden for 62 years. She was a devoted choir member and Sunday School teacher at her church of 20+ years, Fairview Baptist Tabernacle, as well as churches prior. Though these titles and duties brought her joy, by far her most prized titles in life were Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother.

Leon knew the second he laid eyes on her sitting on the Coca-Cola ice chest in her grandmother’s store in Centerville, Alabama 62 years ago that their future was certain.

Nora was born to Walter and Lillis Dennis on June 3, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama, but was raised in Bessemer, Alabama with her 5 siblings. She and Leon moved their family to Knoxville, TN in 1980 and have called it home ever since.

Nora is survived by her daughter Rebecca Jean Good of Nashville, TN, son Lester Richard Gilliland (Amy) of Knoxville, TN, daughter-in-law Denise Gilliland of Powell,TN, grandchildren Brooke Janes (Josh), Brandon Good, Bronson Good (Allison), Brielle Good, Brannon Robbins, Victoria Lane (Jordan), Cole Gilliland, Olivia Gilliland, Blake Gilliland, Annabella Gilliland, great grandchildren MacKenna Good, Saylor Good, Savannah Janes, Adler Good, sisters Loretta Johnson, Elaine Hartley (Dean), Mabeline Toole, Kathy Murphree (Gene) and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her brother Walter Allen Dennis, son Russell Leon Gilliland, great granddaughter Everly Jean Elyse Good, and husband Lester Leon Gilliland.

A visitation for Nora will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37932. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 9913 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37932. A graveside service and interment will occur Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 West Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918. You may join the family on the Berry Highland West Facebook page where the Funeral Service will be Livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Building Fund at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle, Sweetwater, TN.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Gilliland family.