Jo Lynn Gilley

Jo Lynn Tillman Gilley, 85, a resident of Lake Charles, LA was born on the 18th of December 1936, at the Wright Bendel Clinic in Monroe, LA. She died on the 28th of March 2022 in Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles, LA.

She was born to the late Noble Leo Tillman, Sr. and Margie Louise Tucker of West Monroe, LA. She was a graduate of West Monroe High School, class of 1955, and Bish Mathis Institute Business College in Monroe, LA. Ms. Gilley was a 28+ year Civil Service employee, serving at numerous U.S. Army posts across America and Europe, and was recognized with many certificates of appreciation for service by the various Army organizations she served. She was also a recipient of numerous official commendations for the Department of the Army for exceptional performance and exceptional service over the course of that career. She was awarded the Commanders Award For Civilian Service. Penultimately recognized, she received the next highest award given civil servants not involving valor. The Department of the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal was bestowed upon retirement as executive administrative assistant at Warrior Brigade Command in Fort Polk. A devoted member of the Baptist Church, she served as church pianist through her teenage years. A skilled clothing seamstress, also adept at embroidery and beading, she later applied to beautiful doll making, and donated those dolls for fund raising auctions held by charitable organizations, primarily those dedicated to servicemen and their families. She was a caretaker of plants; many flowers, fruits, and vegetables prospered under that care and created beautiful yards and wonderful table settings. Most of all, she loved spending time with her extensive family, enjoyed visiting at every opportunity found and she particularly loved just simply cane pole fishing with her beloved father and children.

She is survived by son, Michael L. Jones and wife Ellen of West Monroe, LA; daughter, Bonnie L. Thorn and husband Scott of Lake Charles, LA; grandchildren, Amber L. Kay and husband Randy of Caney, LA, Britten M. Jones of West Monroe, LA, Amy L. Jarrell and husband Daniel of Evans, LA, T.J. Finklea and wife Danna of Farmerville, LA, Adam L. Finklea of West Monroe, LA, Jonathon J. Kennedy and wife Lydia of West Monroe, LA; 13 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Scotty Hendrix and wife Carol of Caney, LA; brother, Noble L. Tillman, Jr. and wife Lola of West Monroe, LA; sister, Sande K. Saul and husband Ken of Stateline, MS; and her beloved Dachshund, Sugarbaby.

She was predeceased by her parents; daughter, L. Delayne Hendrix, late of Caney, LA; and an infant sister, Lila Louise.