Mrs. Elynor Jean Kennerly Silliman, 84, of the Millbridge community, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016 at Genesis Eldercare. Born on June 22, 1931 in Rowan County, she was the daughter of the late William Hubert and Celeste Elizabeth Fleming Kennerly. A graduate of Landis High School, she was a longtime member of Thyatira Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Silliman was a homemaker and operated a dairy farm with her husband, and later retired from Cannon Mills. After retirement, she became a devoted member of the Lazy 5 Ranch staff. Grandma Jean was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved spending time with them. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bennett Silliman Sr. (2003), her son Bennett Silliman Jr. (2002) and her son-in-law David Bates (2013). Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Beth Bates of Salisbury, Cynthia Hampton (Henry) of Mt. Ulla, Kathy Bunton (Michael) of Hiddenite and daughter-in-law Linda Silliman of China Grove. In addition, Mrs. Silliman is survived by her grandchildren: Tracy Carter (Michael), Erin Hayes, Brandy Starnes (Eddie), Alex Silliman, Jay Bates (Mandy), Bryon Bates (Richelle), Kresen Whitmarsh (Jack), Corrie Connolly (Mike), Wendy Wilson (Jason), Travis Hampton (Brandy), Beverly Hampton, Jenna Adams (Clark), and Molly Bunton. Her great-grandchildren are Chandler and Wesley Carter, Lauren Hayes, Ben and Emry Starnes, Morgan Elisha Bates, Cindy and Matthew Connolly, Abigail, Joshua and Lydia Wilson, Kayla, Madison and Baylee Hampton, and Eli Gazda.
Visitation will be Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove, with funeral services to be conducted Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Thyatira Presbyterian Church by Rev. Stacey Steck. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Thyatira Presbyterian Church, 220 White Rd., Salisbury, NC 28147.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18