Anna Katherine Gilliland

Anna Katherine Gilliland, 24, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away Friday, September 24, 2021. She was born on March 21, 1997 in Corpus Christie, Texas. Her birth mother made the selfless choice of choosing adoption and then choosing for her a loving, adoptive family.

Anna grew up in Hoover, Alabama and attended Hoover City Schools. She enjoyed softball, volleyball, art, and later joined the marching band at Spain Park High School.

Anna was a talented pianist and artist. Her artworks were showcased and awarded at Spain Park. She spent countless hours practicing her love of piano at home and at the Samford Academy of the Arts. She earned a Piano Performance scholarship to the University of Montevallo after graduating from Spain Park High School in 2015.

Anna had a gift when it came to caring for children. She would babysit, give piano lessons, and bring them joy. She was patient, caring, and empathetic with those young and old. She was also a fearless individual who was never afraid of getting out of her comfort zone, whether through live performance, athletics, or creative projects.

Anna's individualistic spirit inspired all who came to know her. In spite of her own personal struggles, she was always able to spread happiness and love to her family and friends. She will be remembered as the loving, caring, and talented person she was.

She was loved more than she will ever know by her family, her friends, and her sweet puppy Cheeko.

Anna is survived by her parents, Jeff and Jenny Gilliland; one brother, Adam Gilliland; her grandfather, Vance Strange; and her aunt, Monda Fason.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. The graveside service will be later this week at Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps, Arkansas. Rev. Rusty Mosley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Anna Gilliland's memory to Friends of Academy Arts at Samford University. Mail checks to Connie Macon, Friends of Academy Arts, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229.