Raye Anita Gilliamsen

Raye Anita Schreyer Gilliamsen, 76, passed away November 2, 2010 in Jacksonville, FL. She was born on March 10, 1934 to Raymond and Kathryne (Reeves) Schreyer Raye was a Navy wife, mother, sister and grandmother who spent her life caring for her family and others. She also was a dancer, world class swimmer, Girl Scout Leader and a clown. Raye participated in the Canadian National Swimming Exhibition in 1950. In 1951, she graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY and then the Jack Stanley School of Dance at Carnegie Hall in NYC in 1952. She traveled the United States and overseas with her husband of 55 plus years. Raye was truly a survivor who battled many serious health issues and won. She was an inspiration for many. Raye is survived by her husband, Donald Gilliamsen, daughters; Kim (Neil) Fleming and Abby Gilliamsen of Jacksonville, and Lissa Nappier of Miami, FL; sisters, Kathryne Sullivan and Michele Dannon of NY; nephews; Charles Sullivan of NY, and Timothy Sullivan of CA; nieces, Kathryne Sullivan, Brandy Sullivan, and Heidi Arends of NY; and grandchildren, Paul and Katelyn Nappier of Miami, FL, Kathryne and Virginia Fleming. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, November 5 in Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 with Monsignor Mortimer Danaher as Celebrant. Interment will follow at 1:30 pm in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville, FL 32218. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to: The American Diabetes’s Association or The National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.