Roberta Jean "Jeannie" Gilliam

Jeannie was born on January 16, 1942, in Benton County, Missouri, to Hurshel and Frances Burnworth. She was the 6th child of their 11 children.

She married Charlie Dale Gilliam on April 6, 1960. They shared a beautiful journey together for 45 years until Charlie’s death in 2005.

As a mother of two children, she instilled in them the importance of family and caring for others as she did. Her children remember her as a loving mother.

Jeannie graduated at Northeast High School, Kansas City, Missouri. Her careers consisted of doing in home childcare, working at New Mark Middle School, Sears and retired from Wheatbelt.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Hurshel and Frances Burnworth Sr.; husband, Charlie Gilliam; siblings; Wanda Carter, Charlotte Fiedler, Hurshel Burnworth Jr., Ardith Mead and Richard Burnworth. She is survived by her loving children, Michael Gilliam (Abby) of Kansas City, Missouri, Karen Kurzdorfer of Kansas City, Missouri, siblings; Eleanor Palmer of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mary Pace of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Orvil Burnworth of Kansas City, Missouri, Larry Burnworth (Barbara) of Garden City, Missouri, and Garry Burnworth (Terri) of Kansas City, Missouri. She leaves behind seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom were the apple of her eye. Since Jeannie was one of eleven children, she also leaves 25 nieces and nephews and many more great nieces and great nephews. And if you knew Jeannie, she left you, a friend.

Two years after Charlie’s passing she found an endearing relationship with Larry Cariddi. Who she spent most of her time with and he became part of our family.

Several years ago, due to Alzheimers and Parkinsons, her memory declined. Jeannie was no longer capable of living alone safely. She made her new home at Benton House in November of 2020. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Benton House at Tiffany Springs, Kansas City, Missouri. Also, Ascend Hospice for their dedication and compassion for Jeannie’s care over the past 3 1/2 years. Your kindness will always be remembered and cherished.

Jeannie will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her Snickerdoodles, her vibrant spirit, unwavering love for her family and for the mark she left on all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace.

A visitation for Jeannie will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri. Funeral services will start at Noon at the funeral home with interment following in the White Chapel Cemetery.