Barbara Gillis

Barbara Jean Gillis (The Cherokee Woman), age 66 of Gulfport, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2017.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Shirley Jackson Russell; in-laws, Ray and Virginia Gillis; her siblings, Steve, John, and Jimmy Russell, and Lendy Cook; and granddaughters, Kristi and Kenzley Gillis.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 48 ½ years, Joe "JR" Gillis; son, Kenneth Gillis and his wife, Amy; brother, Donnie Russell; grandson, Steven Gac; brother-in-law, Mike Gillis; sister-in-law, Brenda Rouleau and her husband, John; beloved dog, Jeepers, and numerous nieces and a nephew.
Barbara is co-owner of Gillis Investigative Service and was employed with the Isle of Capri/Golden Nugget from 1992 until her health caused her to retire last month. She enjoyed spending time with friends at the VFW Post 3937, where she was an Auxiliary Member, was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints, and she was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church.
The family wishes to thank those who took care of Barbara at Memorial Hospital, Select Specialty, Deaconess Home Care, and St. Joseph Hospice. A special thank you to Olivia Rowe, Amy Dimitriades, and Shane Walker.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to VFW Post 3937 at 213 Klondyke Rd., Long Beach, MS 39560.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport, with a visitation for family and friends from 10:00 AM until the Mass. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.