Evelyn Gilliland (1926-2018)

Evelyn Gilliland, 92 of Kenosha (previously from Columbus, MS) passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Home and Rehabilitation Center. Born on April 26, 1926 in Holland, MO, she was the oldest daughter, of the late Lesley and Gertrude Pruitt. On August 4, 1945 she was united in marriage to A.C. Gilliland and until his passing in 1995. They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, Evelyn attended cosmology college and was owner of Evelyn Salon’s for 62 years in Columbus, MS. She was loved by so many of her clients. Evelyn was a fabulous cook and baker and enjoyed hosting large gatherings for family and friends. She always made more than enough delicious southern food. Her generosity extended to providing meals to ailing friends and neighbors in the Columbus, MS, as well for her church Wesley United Methodist Church. Her natural gift for conversation and joyful sense of humor was appreciated and her laugh and beautiful smile was contagious. She also found enjoyment in bowling, golfing, playing cards, watching Alabama football games, gardening, quilting, needlepoint and reading and traveling to Jerusalem.

Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Martha Chandler and many loving nieces and nephews, and friends.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, A.C. Gilliland, by brothers, Louis Pruitt in infancy and William Pruitt, her sister Earleen Cooper and her step-brother, W.G. Ferguson.

Funeral services honoring Evelyn’s life will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018, beginning with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Home and Rehabilitation Center Chapel. Memorial remembrances to St. Joseph’s Home and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice Alliance, Inc. would be appreciated.

Evelyn’s family would like to extend a warm and sincere thank you to the St. Joseph’s Home and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice Alliance Inc., staff, nurses and aids that lovingly care for Evelyn. Your devotion to Evelyn’s wellbeing will always be remembered with gratitude and a smile.