Mary Emaline Gilliam Nunley, 69, returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 20, 2019, after a valiant battle with cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, and friends, carried her through two years of clinical trials. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her cancer journey and ultimately gave her peace. She knew whose she was, and where she was going.
Emaline was born on March 1, 1950, in Rockwood, TN, to the late Arthur James and Della Mae Garner Gilliam Sr., and was the youngest of eight siblings. Emaline was a resident of Chattanooga, TN, and a longtime member of City Church of Chattanooga, were she faithfully served and worshiped for thirty years. She retired from US Xpress after thirty years of IT service.
Those who knew Emaline, knew she lived an active lifestyle. You could find her on the tennis courts, leading a small group at the bowling alley, at Red Hat Society Luncheons, volunteering at City Church, leading bingo at the nursing home, traveling, and the list goes on and on. She possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Emaline possessed joy, and to those who were lucky enough to know her, she will never be forgotten.
Emaline was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur Jr., J.W., Ludy and Johnny Gilliam, and sisters Charlotte Gilliam Thurman and Judy Gilliam Fugate.
Emaline is survived by her two sons, Lance (Stacy) Nunley of Soddy Daisy, TN, and Kerry (Robin) Nunley of Chattanooga, TN; her sons father, Nick Nunley of Dayton, TN; her seven grandchildren: Sierra, Caleb, Alex, Isaac, Tyler, Grace and Reagan Nunley; her great-granddaughter, McKynzi Tisdale; her siblings Betty (Lawerence) Brady, and Jennie (James Lowell) Garrison, both of Grandview; and her best friend and sister in Christ, Nina Meeks.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 4-6 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 6:00 p.m. officiated by Dr. Mike Chapman and Pastor Shannon Chapman.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to World Vision, or Compassion International.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.
