Betty L Gilliland

Born March 19, 1926 in Bevier, Missouri to Harry and Opal (Taylor) Yocum, she married Herbert John Gilliland, Jr. on April 4, 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Vicki Gilliland-Small of Pekin; one son, Dr. David (Joy Petri) Gilliland of Springfield; four grandchildren, Jessica (Marc) Meeks and Dr. Maegan Gilliland, both of Peoria, Rich Davis of Pekin, and Taylor Gilliland of Springfield; four great-grandchildren, Austin Sherman, Mazzy Sherman, Michael Davis, and Cristian Davis; and three great-great-grandchildren, John, Madilyn, and Maggie.

Her parents and one sister, Lois Anderson, preceded her in death.

She was a 1944 graduate of Pekin Community High School.

Betty worked at JC Penney’s in Pekin for 25 years, retiring in 1983 as a customer service supervisor.

She was a charter and devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Pekin, where she was a former Deaconess and Sunday school teacher. She had been a member of the Tuckabatchee Sunday school class, Women’s Missionary Group, and the church choir. She also was a former member of Pekin Hospital Auxiliary.

Betty enjoyed camping, crocheting, fishing, doing puzzles, and playing table games, especially UNO. She was a St. Louis Cardinal’s fan.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Mr. Kenneth Seest will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Christian School, 1501 Howard Court, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com