Helen Florence Gilliam

Helen Florence Gilliam, 94, of Morrow, GA passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 8, 2023. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Directors in Morrow, GA.  A visitation for family and friends to gather will take place one hour before the service.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Linda Horton of Powell, TN, Sherry Johnson & husband Wendell of McDonough, GA, and Valerie Gilliam of Newnan, GA; sons, Jeff Gilliam & wife Penny of Kennedale, TX, and Greg Gillam of Morrow, GA; granddaughters, Shannon Spencer & husband Josh of Locust Grove, GA, Melissa Smith & husband Matt of Hampton, GA, and Jordan Mackinen & husband Connor of Hogansville, GA; grandsons, Michael Chumbley & wife Carla of Winston, GA, Garrett Gilliam of Arlington, TX, and Tyler Gilliam of Arlington, TX. Great-granddaughters, Sydney Chumbley, Paige Thorpe, Mackenzie Spencer, Anna Smith, and the newest arrvial, Dani Helen-Rose Mackinen born on October 16, 2023; great-grandsons, Michael Chumbley, Jr., Austin Chumbley & wife Riley, Jacob Thorpe & wife Kelsea, and Braylan Chumbley; also her sweet kitty companion Trudy, along with many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Ralph Gilliam.

Helen Florence Armstrong Gilliam was born on March 14, 1929 in Marlinton, WV to Lloyd and Lizzie Armstrong. She moved to Huntington, WV after high school, where she met and married Ray Gilliam. They moved to Georgia in 1957 and had 55 long years together.  Helen was always lovingly called “Granny” by neighborhood friends and children when she first became a grandma, and that name has been hers for the last 50 years!  She loved traveling the country, playing slot machines, being at the beach, and going to arts and crafts festivals. She enjoyed spending time outside and sitting on her swing watching and feeding the birds and squirrels. She also had a lifetime love for Elvis Presley!  But her very favorite things were always whatever involved spending time with her family.  She never missed a birthday or special event for the kids or grandkids, and although she said she hated cooking, she was an amazing cook and always made the best home cooked meals for holidays and special occasions for the whole family.  She also cherished and kept every gift that anyone ever gave her because they were so special to her.  Helen was a funny, feisty, independent and headstrong lady, who loved big, was very generous, and always let you know where you stood with her!  Her presence had a huge impact on everyone around her, and she will be forever missed.

Services under the caring guidance of Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Directors.