Mary Ida Gilliam

She was born in Winnsboro, TX on September 28, 1939 to Dude and Pearl Dean.

She was married to Max Gilliam for 66 years. Mary worked the family business as Secretary for Gilliam Toole Co. She was a member of Sagemont Baptist Church and Winnsboro 1st Baptist Church.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She loved traveling in the RV and traveled all over to the most beautiful places, even taking our grandmother to Paris. Papa said it was the best trip of her life (Trip of a lifetime!)

She loved to read books, loved flowers and gardening. We always had the most beautiful yard.

She was also a very talented Oil Painter. She was a phenomenal cook and made the most beautiful dinners. Everything she made was made with love.

Mom and dad were avid bowlers and were in the bowling league with their best friends for years and had hundreds of trophies to show for it.

Mom and dad had a beautiful love story that lasted 66 years. They met at the movie theater, where dad's way of flirting was throwing popcorn at her. It was love at first sight! That love endured happiness and sadness: The tragedy of losing their only son Perry Lee and years later, the loss of their grandson Jason Perry and losing all of her brothers, sisters and parents. But through it all, they persevered together with their strong love for each other.

She will be missed, but is no longer hurting, and is wrapped in the arms of our Lord and Savior.

We love you so much and will be reunited in Heaven,.

Mary Ida was preceded in death by son Perry Lee Gilliam; grandson Jason Perry Paul; parents Dude and Pearl Dean; brothers Johnny Paul Dean and Maurice Dean and sister Maurine Efurd.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband Max Gilliam and daughters Debbie Chenault and husband Dennis Chenault and Pam Thweatt and husband Bobby Thweatt ; grandson Max and Stephanie Thweatt; great-grandchildren Kaylee DeAnne Thweatt, Garrett Jason Thweatt and Jaxson Dean Thweatt.

A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598, followed by a graveside service from 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Gilliam family.