Obituary of John Edward Gillis

John Edward Gillis was born on December 29, 1951 in Powhatan, Virginia to John and Blanche Cleveland Gillis. He attended the public schools in Powhatan County. At an early age John was converted, baptized, and accepted Jesus The Christ at Little Zion Baptist Church where his membership remained. Later on in life he joined the Men's Chorus, making a joyful noise unto the Lord. He was joined in wedlock to Marion V. Gillis for twenty-three years; until the Lord called her home. "Jackie" as he was affectingly called, loved to play the guitar, checkers, go fishing, and listening to music. He had a very quite and humble spirit while wearing a big smile on his face. He spent twelve years working for T&L Construction and twenty-five years with Watkins Nursery until his retirement. John's wife, Marion; brother, Carlton; and his parents preceded him in death. On Thursday, March 8, 2012, John departed this life at Johnston Willis Hospital, Richmond, Virginia. He lives to cherish his memories: two daughters, Shaleta Owens (Perry) and Elizabeth Epps (Mark); one son, John Gillis; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Linwood Gillis (Margaret) and Zane Johnson; four sisters, Shirley Johnson (Junious), Jeanette Patrick (William), Dorine and Francis Gillis; two sisters-in-law, Helen Eggleston (Robert) and Lula Nash; one brother-in-law, James Good (Eli) and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.