Mary Gilliland, 90, of Decatur passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2013.
Mary Edna Blankenship was born December 27, 1922 to Jettie Mae and Harvey Blankenship in Elmore County, Alabama. When she was only two years old, her father died. Her mother later married Mr. Larkin Haynie, a loving stepfather until his death in 1947.
In March of 1944, Mary enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps. After completing basic training, she was assigned to Stewart Field in New York. In 1946, she became the first WAC on Stewart Field to be awarded the Commendation Ribbon in recognition of her superior service.
After the war, Mary continued her civil service in Montgomery where she met Mack Gilliland, another World War II veteran with roots in Elmore County. They married in Big Springs, Texas, on April 7, 1950. Soon, Mary was a homemaker with three small boys. They moved to Mobile in 1957.
When the boys grew older, Mary returned to work as lunchroom manager of Adelia Williams Elementary School. Principals from across Mobile County often met there in order to enjoy her excellent meals. She retired in 1984. While in Mobile, she was an active member of Fulton Road Baptist Church, teaching both children and adults. In 1988, they moved to Decatur to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Gilliland leaves a legacy of faith to her three sons, Wayne (Connie) Gilliland of Talladega, Ellis (Gwen) Gilliland of Decatur and Lee (Rene) Gilliland of Huntsville; six grandchildren, Chris (Cindi) Gilliland of Decatur, Tara (Scott) Salsman of Delaware, Ohio, Jeremy (Katie) Gilliland of Tuscaloosa, Greg (Blair) Gilliland of Huntsville, Michael (Candice) Gilliland of Munford and Cody Gilliland of Talladega; and six great-grandchildren. Her grandsons and her granddaughter’s husband will serve as pallbearers.
She is also survived by two brothers, Joe (Jenny) Haynie of Alexander City and Ed Haynie of Eclectic.
She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, three sisters and two brothers.
The family will receive visitors this evening from 6 to 8 at Roselawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held in the chapel on Friday, August 30, 2013, at 11 a.m. with the Reverend A Ray Lee officiating.
