Jean Gillis

She was born on February 16, 1931 in Charlotte, North Carolina and was the daughter of Louie Banks Starnes and Ella Lois Elliott Starnes. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Raymond Everett Gillis, brothers Rodney Starnes, Ray Starnes and sisters Shirley Pagoota, Geraldine (Gerp) Hunter, and Barbara (Boopie) Pagoota.

Jean grew up in the Plaza-Midwood area of Charlotte among many friends and family. She was a member of the East Avenue Tabernacle ARP Church that was then in the location of what is now The Great Aunt Stella Center in Uptown. She was introduced to her husband Ray by her older sister Gerp and they married in Fort Campbell, Kentucky on June 11, 1949.

As a devoted military wife and mother, her husband and family were always her priority. After raising her three children in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Wiesbaden, Germany; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Riley, Kansas; and El Paso, Texas, they moved back to Charlotte in 1961. The family were active members of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church where she made certain the children were in Sunday School and she enjoyed being part of a Women’s Circle. After her husband retired, they moved to east Charlotte and joined Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill.

Wherever she lived and whatever the situation, the most important aspect of her life was always her vibrant faith. She left behind a tattered Bible and devotional books chocked full of notes that are tangible evidence that she loved her Lord deeply. The impact of her strong and gentle faith can also be seen in her family and friends as she loved others sacrificially and well.

Those left to cherish her memories are her three children: Ray (Teresa Gillis), Randy Gillis, and Donna McRae; her eight grandchildren: David (Aneatra) Gillis, Ryan (Stephanie) Gillis, Jeremy Gillis, Joshua Gillis, Christopher Hinson, Jamie (Andyell) Klassette, and Kelly Klassette; and her nine great -grandchildren, Austin (Ashton) Gillis, Caleb Gillis, Campbell Gillis, Victoria (Joshua) Sandy, Jacob Hinson, Tenley Hinson, Jamie Klassette Jr., Abigail Klassette, and Justin Meadows.

A visitation for Jean will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. There will be a private family graveside service. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227.