COLUMBUS
Virginia Ann Gilley, passed away peacefully from complications due to surgery, on August 26, 2024, at her daughter’s home. She was a beacon of light and love throughout her 83 years of life, having been born on December 1, 1940, in the small town of Lynch, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Cliston Johnson and Ada Maggard Johnson, as well as raised by her Aunt Ann and Uncle Ert Banks. She later married Lindel Burdeen Gilley on June 2, 1958. He preceded her in death in 2011.
Virginia was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her cherished children, Gregory Gilley of Seymour, IN, and Pamela Gilley of Columbus.
Virginia was a beloved sibling to her brother, Reno Johnson, and sisters, Jennie Napier, Debbie Deal, Mary Blair, Tina Boggs, and Marie Blake. Her legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren, Cheyenne, Summer, Brooke, Blake, Brandon, Andrew, Aaron, Joshua, and Justin Gilley, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Skylar, Madison, Waylon, Brooklyn Byrne, Arydessa Gray, Lindel Gray, Amara Asher, Wiley, Owen, and Ember Gilley.
Virginia worked as a cook for the Bartholomew County School Corporation. She spent most of her life as a homemaker, wife and mother.
Virginia’s passions painted a vivid picture of who she was – a woman whose love for her family was paramount. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she expressed her love for them through her exceptional baking, a talent that brought joy and comfort to many family gatherings. An avid QVC shopper, Virginia had an eye for “glitzy clothing” and took delight in the sparkle of life. This love for all things bright and beautiful extended to her flower garden, a sanctuary where she cultivated beauty and shared it with all who visited.
Christmas was a special time of year for Virginia. Her excitement was infectious, and she began her preparations in July, eagerly anticipating the joy of giving and the warmth of family gatherings. Her home would be filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats, laughter, and the love that she poured into every aspect of the holiday season.
Virginia’s steadfast faith was a cornerstone of her existence; she was a woman of the Pentecostal faith all her life. Her beliefs guided her actions, and she lived her life as a testament to the loving, thoughtful, and kind person she was.
Virginia’s journey through life was marked by the love she gave and the grace with which she lived.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son, Mitchell Gilley; siblings, Wayne Johnson, Marty Johnson, Delzie Banks, Kenny Ray Johnson, Syliva Murphy Wilhoite, Loreva Cornette, Veronica Brock, Shelia Potter, Sonita Hall, Sherry Edwards, and JoAnn Rosas.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Burdell Gilley officiating. Calling hours will be Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with one hour of calling prior to service time on Friday.
Burial will be at Bethel Baptist Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to Just Friends or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana through the funeral home.
Service entrusted to Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home.
