Mary Ella (Trantham) Gillilan

Mary Ella Gillilan, age 87, of Sweetwater, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at her residence.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Sweetwater Cemetery with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating.  Burial will follow.  Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.

Mary Ella was born on September 1, 1934 in Paris, Texas to James Ennis and Charlene (Wilson) Trantham.  She was a 1952 Graduate of Newman High School.   She married the love of her life, Odell Wallace Gillilan on December 21, 1951 in Colorado City, Texas.   She worked for Walls Industries and Quick Wash Laundry for many years before retiring at the age of 80 years old.  She was a longtime member of Broadway Baptist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Diane Turnbow of Houston, Texas, Rose Mary Rentfro of Poolville, Texas, and Nancy Clift of Sweetwater, Texas, one son, Danny Gillilan of Sweetwater, Texas, four grandchildren, Candy Prickett, Denece Gilbert, Corey Turnbow, and Ashley Holden, and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James & Charlene Trantham, husband, Odell Wallace Gillilan, sister, Martha Collett, two brothers, James Trantham and Carl Trantham, and sons-in-law, Ronnie Turnbow, Jerry Clift, and Richard Rentfro.