Shirley Ann Gilliland

Shirley Gilliland went to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Shirley was born on September 26, 1929, to the late Samuel and Lyda Smih of Hoberg, MO, a village three miles from Mt. Vernon, MO. She graduated from school in Mt. Vernon, MO in 1947.

She was married to William T. Gilliland, her World War II Navy sweetheart on October 9, 1950. They moved to Wichita, Kansas where she was employed with the City Library for 13 years until their baby girl was born, and she became a proud mother in 1962. A wonderful and blessed day.

In 1971, the three moved to Warner Robins, GA and resided there for 50 years. Her husband passed away in 1997. They were active in Westminster Presbyterian Church. Shirley and her husband sang in the choir for 20 years. Very happy family.

Shirley was employed by the Board of Education for 12 years with Shirley Hills Elementary School and several school libraries. She was Branch Head of Centerville Library and loved her work. Shirley also enjoyed volunteering as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader in her earlier years.

Shirley was a member of First Baptist Church in Centerville for twenty-five years. She was a wonderful friend, and an optimistic, fun person, who prayed daily to her Lord. She was strong, loved life, and almost everyone she met. Shirley also loved dogs, especially Pam and Dennis’ two dogs. She loved music, singing, reading and Find-A-Word books.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William; and sisters, Connie Misemer and Bettye Brandt.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Ann and husband, Dennis Rogers of Warner Robins; brother-in-law, Bice Misemer; and nieces and nephews, all from Mt. Vernon, MO.

Shirley loved life, people, children, dogs, music, singing, reading and most of all, praying to her heavenly Father.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 29, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home, with a funeral service immediately following in the chapel. Afterward, Shirley will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Shirley to First Baptist Church of Centerville, 108 Church St., Centerville, GA 31028.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.