Imogene James Gilliard

Imogene James Gilliard, age 87, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed peacefully at 11:25 p.m. on January 5, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Jean was born on February 4, 1934 in Manor, Georgia; the seventh of fourteen children born to Troy B. and Rosa James.

She married the love of her life, James, on December 24, 1953 and they spent 64 years creating a legacy that loves and honors them both to this day. They would have three children; Judith, Jimmy, and Kelli, and as a Marine Corp family they transferred six times—including a duty station in Hawaii. They eventually settled in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1966.

She was a force of a woman. You really couldn’t meet her without the word regal passing through your mind. She was honest and opinionated and proud of her professional accomplishments, working for Dupree State Farm for over 35 years.

She was faithful to God and the Church for the entirety of her life, serving as Secretary and Treasurer at Westside Church of God of Prophecy for over 30 years. She gave freely of her time and talent by directing choir, organizing countless fundraisers for youth camp, soft ball, and Women’s Ministries.

She enjoyed being outside in the sun, gardening, unsweet tea with one Sweet-n-Low, and crossword puzzles. She decorated liberally with the color green, collected frogs for over 60 years, and leaves behind 138 pairs of shoes that will remain unfillable.

A visitation for Imogene will be held Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Westside Church of God of Prophecy, 1862 Fouraker Road, Jacksonville, FL 32221. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the church. A committal service will occur Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Gilliard family.