Norene May Gilliam

Norene Gilliam, 94, formerly of Idalou, passed away March 3, 2013.  She was born February 7, 1919 in Chinquapin, Arkansas to Miles and Myrtle (Merritt) May.  Norene graduated from Idalou High School in 1937.  On June 22, 1946, Norene married John E. Gilliam, Sr.  She owned the Junior High and The Wildcat stores where she provided lunches and school supplies to students. Later, she sold furniture for Montgomery Wards and Dillard’s.  Norene helped start the Cotton Pickers Bowling League at the old Fiesta Bowl in Lubbock, was a member of the United Methodist Church in Idalou and was active in United Methodist Women.  Later, she attended St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Lubbock.

Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Rhonda Gilliam of Vashon, WA and Joan Kanne and husband David of Garland; one son, John Gilliam, Jr. and wife Janeen of Lubbock; one sister, Jewel Gordon of Sun City, CA; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Norene was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Gene, Carlos, D. J. and Bill May; and two sisters, Mabel Dixon and Mary Williams.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday March 7, 2013 at Combest Family Funeral Homes in Idalou with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 pm.  The family will have another viewing for visitors at 1 pm on Friday in the sanctuary at the Idalou Methodist Church, to be immediately followed at 2:00 p.m. by Celebration of Life services.  Interment will follow at Idalou Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to Meals on Wheels.

Please celebrate the life of Norene by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.