Obituary of Shirley Ann Gilliard

Mrs. Shirley Ann Gilliard, age 75 a resident of Auburndale passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale with her family at her side. Mrs. Gilliard was born January 22, 1943 in Harrison, New Jersey to Joseph Christopher and Eugenia Ann (Bartulewicz) Flaherty. She was an Auburndale resident since 1998 coming from New Jersey. Shirley graduated from St. Cecilia’s High School Class of 1961. She was a volunteer for Polk County Elections, First United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry, “Pioneer” which helps handicap & downs syndrome children and a Guardian Ad Liteum. She retired after 20 years as a legal secretary and then retired after 14 years from AT & T where she was financial analyst. She also worked part time for St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Auburndale. Shirley donated blood every six weeks because she had a rare blood type and wanted to help. She and her husband are members of the First United Methodist Church in Auburndale. Shirley enjoyed dancing, traveling, reading and spending time with her family. Shirley was known to be the world’s greatest hugger. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter – Sandy Ann Owens.

 

Shirley is survived by her loving & devoted family;

 

Husband of 26 years:             Lee Gilliard of Auburndale, FL.

Son:                                         Steve Dorish of Point Pleasant, NJ

2 Daughters:                           Sharon A. (Jim) Marchese of Sarasota, FL.

                                                Sherri A. (Patrick) Loughney of York, SC

Stepson:                                  Gary Gilliard of Jackson, NJ

2 Stepdaughters:                    Laura Gilliard of Westbrook, ME.

                                      Dr. Jennifer Gilliard (Dr. Marvin Speece) of Butte, MT

Brother:                                  Jim (Diana) Flaherty of Hampton, NJ

11 Grandchildren

1 Gt. Grandson

 

 

If anyone would like to a make donation in Shirley’s name please do to either: St. Alban’s Episcopal Church (Food Pantry), 202 Pontotoc St., Auburndale, FL. 33823  OR  Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL. 32725

 

There are no services for Shirley per her request.

 

Arrangements By: Kersey Funeral Home

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