Beverly Ann McIlheran passed away at home on Wednesday morning, October 7th, at 81 years of age. She was born on June 8, 1939, to Walter “Bill” Gilliam and Blanch Ilena Weaver Gilliam on the Weaver family farm in Sidney Springs, Texas.
Beverly Gilliam graduated from Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in Abilene, Texas, where she met Colyar McIlheran. They later married in February of 1960.
Beverly is survived by her sister, Beth Segel; her former husband, Colyar; her daughter Holly; son Mark, his wife Cherri, and her grandchildren: Elizabeth, Hannah, Madeleine, Emma, Gilliam, Violet, John, and Charlotte, as well as her great grandchildren: Eloise and Stuart. She was known affectionately as Bami to her grandchildren, a name she created from her initials, B.A.M.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Blanch Gilliam, and baby brother Barry Maurice.
She worked for many years in the airline industry, starting with Trans Texas Airways and retiring from Continental Airlines. Her career allowed her to pursue her love for travel, and she loved learning new recipes from everywhere she visited.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and always had a photo on hand to show visitors and church friends. She loved gardening, and always kept a beautiful garden. She grew rose bushes for each of her granddaughters, and knew how to make every grandchild, relative, and neighbor feel loved. She was always socially active. She was a member of the Abilene Garden Club, Bunco group, and Sunday School class at her church. She enjoyed chocolate, Dr. Pepper, cooking, and Bob Wills. She loved birds, but hated squirrels. She loved finding good deals at garage sales. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a calming demeanor, which she attributed to her relationship with Jesus. One of her favorite sayings was "Jesus loves you, but I'm his favorite."
Beverly had macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease. As these conditions progressed, Beverly remained loving and sassy. When she realized she needed to move from Abilene and rely on family for help, she did so readily, confident that her future was in God’s hands. In her final weeks, when she had moments of clarity and knew she'd be passing soon, she told grandchildren and her son that she was going to heaven soon, ready and confident that she'd be with Jesus and that she really was his favorite.
A Graveside Service will be held Monday, October 12, 2020 at 12:00 P.M.at Pendergrass Cemetery in Sidney, Texas.
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