Shevla J. Gilliland, age 74, of Jackson, went to meet our Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012. Shelva passed from this life from a sudden illness, while a patient in the ICU at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. She was born Dec. 28, 1938 to David Grant and Hester (Houser) Goodwin in Owens County, Indiana.
Shelva was retired from Jackson Corporation in Jackson. She lived in Bossier City, Louisiana when she married and that was where her son Norman Jr. was born. The family moved to Chillicothe and finally made their home in Jackson.
Shelva worshiped at The Jackson Apostolic Church at 156 S. Star St. in Jackson.
Her proudest achievement was that she raised three boys by herself, sometimes working two or three jobs when the Jackson Corporation was on strike. Then came the love of her grandchildren. She was so proud of all of them. Her oldest, David E., was married on Dec. 23, and she may not have been there in body, but she was there in each one of her sons and grandchildren’s hearts. Shelva enjoyed working in the yard, cooking and reading the bible.
She is survived by sons: Norman L. Gilliland Jr., Michael A. (Brenda Basiden) Gilliland, David J. (Rachel Landrum) Gilliland, all from Jackson; grandchildren: David E. (Diana DeLong) Gilliland, Jesse Gilliland, Shelby Gilliland, Destiny Gilliland; two sisters: Betty (William) Channell of Cambridge and Mary (Tom) Womack of Jackson; three brothers: David (Jo Channell) Goodwin of Coshocton, Larry (Beverly Shanton) Goodwin of Ray and Richard (Lori Seek) Goodwin of Galion; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins, including special cousins Marie Callahan and Emma F. Houser.
Shelva is predeceased by her parents David Grant and Hester (Houser) Goodwin, her former husband Air Force veteran Norman L. Gilliland Sr. (Jan. 27, 1984) and special friends Esther Davison and Florence Malone.
She would not want one person to grieve for her, she always said when I pass do not grieve for me for I have made it to heaven, rejoice and be glad.
Shelva believed in helping others and she done that most of her life with her time and even money and she would do without herself for others. That is one reason she became an organ donor and donated her body to science. She always said maybe it could help extend or save someone else who would be in need.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m. at the Jackson Apostolic Church 156 Star St Jackson, with Pastor Rich Clark of the Jackson Apostolic Church and Pastor Mike Crabtree of Abundant Life Worship Center officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be given in Shelva’s name to either church.