Shirley Gilliam

Shirley E. Gilliam, 97, of Oelwein, Iowa, died Monday morning, July 15, 2024, at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Monday, July 22, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Oelwein, with Pastor Dave Byrd officiating.
Visitation: 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein and for one hour before the service at the church on Monday.
Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa.
A Memorial Fund has been established for the First Baptist Church, Oelwein.

Shirley Eileen Driscoll was born July 10, 1927, in Oelwein, Iowa, the daughter of Robert J. and Lenora Rae (Miller) Driscoll. She received her education at schools in Oelwein. Shirley went to work at Raytheon in Oelwein and it was there that she first met Red Gilliam. Shirley was united in marriage to Roland Robert “Red” Gilliam on March 3, 1951, at the First Baptist Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Shirley and Red were blessed with two children: Nancy and Bob. Shirley was a homemaker and farmed with Red on the family farm west of Oelwein until 2002. Shirley continued living on the farm until the time of her passing.

Shirley was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church in Oelwein. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball and also was an avid bowler, with several 300 perfect games.

Shirley is survived by her Daughter: Nancy (Marc) DeLong of Minburn; Son: Bob (Lori) Gilliam of Aurora; 3 Grandchildren: Daniel (Payton) Gilliam, Amanda (Daniel) Moellers and Bobbi Jo (Nick) Eickhoff; 2 Great Grandchildren: Zoey Eickhoff & Owen Eickhoff; 2 Sisters: Judy Witte of Oelwein & Marlene (Jim) Busch of Fayette and many Nieces & Nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Red on November 11, 2008; 2 sisters: Mardelle Birchard & Beverly Birchard and a brother: Dan Driscoll.