Mrs. Lois Evelyn Partain Gillis was born December 21, 1923 in Lawrence County, Tennessee, the daughter of the late John Ace and Beatrice Henson Partain. She was united in marriage to Daniel Gillis on August 2, 1941. Mr. Gillis preceded her in death on December 18, 1990. She was a member of the Phillips Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 130, worked for a number of years for Davidson/Duren Drugstore as the store clerk, and worked in the garden center at Wayne Farmers Co-Op where many people affectionately knew her as the “Garden Lady.” Mrs. Gillis departed this life on October 19, 2020 in Waynesboro, Tennessee at the age of 96 Years, 9 Months and 28 Days.
She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Heard and husband Paul of Waynesboro, TN, Betty Risner and husband Jerry of Hohenwald, TN, Debra Gillis of Waynesboro, TN; two grandchildren, Derrick Heard and wife Amanda of Brandon, MS, John Risner and wife Laurie of Hohenwald, TN; five great-grandchildren, Megan, Hannah, and Emma Heard, Carson Risner, and Justis Landers.
In addition to her husband of 49 years and parents, Mrs. Gillis was preceded in death by six brothers, Charles, Herman, J.B., Oscar, Hershel, and Carol Partain; a sister, Louella Partain Phillips; four half- brothers, George, Ben, Will, and John Partain: four half-sisters, Lula, Dessie, Anna, and Maggie.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday October 24, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the North Highland Cemetery in Waynesboro, Tennessee with Kerry Franks and Willard Pope officiating. Pallbearers will include Harold Pope, Randy Pope, Willard Pope, Tracy Odle, Jim Lopp, Leo Rochell, Cleveland Flippo, Terry Cummins, and Richard Gatlin.
The family requests that everyone who attends wear a mask and practice social distancing. Shackelford Funeral Directors is assisting the family.
