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Funeral Ceremony: 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
Visitation: 9:30 until 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home
The St. Louis Cardinals lost their number one fan Monday. Jane Bryden Gilliland, America’s Granny, died February 21, 2022, at the age of 99.
She was born May 14, 1922, to Sam and Frances (McCommons) Bryden in Flora, IL. In 1925, Jane and her family moved into a house her father built—and she lived there until the day she died. She spent her life in the town she loved, graduating from Harter Township High School in 1940, and working as a secretary at Snyder Insurance Agency. On October 19, 1947, Jane married Charles Gilliland at First Baptist Church. Their three children Jon, Joe, and Carole were their proudest accomplishments. Jane’s superpower was mothering, and she practiced her whole life.
Jane was a devoted wife, mother, and granny; a night owl; an award-winning rifle sharpshooter; and a longtime, faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She loved reading, crocheting baby blankets, doing word finds and jigsaw puzzles, drinking coffee with visitors, snacking on candy all day, and swinging in the breeze on her front porch swing. Jane liked watching game shows, baseball, football, and basketball on TV—and at a volume so loud, neighbors could hear the score three blocks away.
The most prolific correspondent on planet Earth, Jane faithfully wrote weekly letters to her children and grandchildren for the last 50+ years, and sent countless birthday cards, thank yous, and encouraging words to her nearest and dearest. (That’s approximately 14,820 letters to family alone.)
Jane is survived by her children, Jon (Debbie) of Fond du Lac, WI, Joe (Jane Jr.) of Flora, and Carole (Tom Boyd) of Burlington, IA; honorary children, Mike Bottorff and Kathy Bottorff Stockbridge; grandchildren (Katie, Colin, Andy, Meagan, Maggie, Carrie, Tim, Zachary, Elijah, Sebe); great-grandchildren (Charles, Mac, Lucas, Sam, Fiona, Sylvie); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband of 50 years, Charles; her parents; brother Norman Bryden; beloved sister Bernadine Rankin; and every single one of her peers.
Jane was no nonsense and all nonsense. She was loyal, content, grateful, steadfast, predictable, and you always knew where to find her. Her family will miss her quick wit, weekly notes, unflagging sunny disposition, and mad pie-baking skills. In lieu of flowers, please eat a Pop-Tart, write a note to someone you love, or consider a donation to the Flora Public Library.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 until 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
Dear Carole, your classmates from near and far send condolences to you and your family at the passing of your Mom.
Aunt Jane was a wonderful woman, a loving and positive influence for many, a beautiful soul and a darned-good cook. We are blessed to have had her in our lives and we find comfort in our memories of life with Aunt Jane. David Bryden Meredith Bryden Jennifer, Tom and Anthony Shermer
Rest in Peace, beautiful soul.
We are very sorry for your family's loss!! We will be praying for you all!!!
My grandma Lauderback lived next door to Jane. I learned how to swim in her pool. She and Charlie were some of the people that helped shape my childhood. Much love to her family.
Joe and Jane, My very sincere condolences to you in the loss of your dear one, a lady beloved by many. She had a good, full life. I'm sure Charles has greeted her with open arms. Love to you.
What a beautiful tribute. I’ve loved hearing countless stories about Granny throughout the years from Carrie. May these memories be a blessing - Granny’s family is all in my thoughts. Xo
May God continue to bless Jane and her family, and may her family gratefully enjoy and celebrate their many fond memories of her over her long lifetime.
On Saturday I will walk into her house and for the first time in 75 years, she won't be sitting at her kitchen table. I will miss my Aunt Jane and all that she brought to this family. She always had something for you or anyone to eat, just knock on her door, she'll feed you. I will miss our e-mails and all the funny jokes we had going. Rest in peace beautiful soul you earned it!! Love you and miss you!
Prayers for all the family.
John, Joe & Carol, We are saddened to hear of Jane's passing. I remember spending a lot of time in your house when we were kids. The love and kindness shown by your mother to everyone around her was always amazing. She'll be missed. Steve Kitten
What a beautiful lady. She lived every day with a smile. As soon as I finished reading her obit, I went to my cabinet and got out the box of pop-tarts. Strawberry is my favorite. My notes will be to my 3 children, who I don't know what I would do without. RIP Jane
So Sorry to here of Your and Our Loss to the Fifth Street Area.We’ve Lost a Super Lady and Neighbor RIP Jane.
It broke my heart to hear of Aunt Jane’s passing, but wow, did she live a long and amazing life! She was not only America’s granny; she was also everyone’s aunt! I know so many people who referred to her as Aunt Jane (myself included), even though she wasn’t our aunt by blood…only in the heart. Aunt Jane was an awesome lady who always had so much love to give. I have so many great memories of summers hanging out in the backyard pool. Aunt Jane would always carry out a tray with snacks & drinks, but then make you wait the obligatory 30 minutes after eating before you were allowed back in the water. I wish I could be there for the services. I send my love, hugs, & condolences to all of the family. Fly high with the angels, Aunt Jane! You will definitely be missed.
Every bit of that obituary is true. Jane was such a sweet soul. Rest in God’s arms sweet lady.
What a wonderful woman. The world needs more Jane's. Rest in eternity.
Jon, Joe, Carole and all your families, I am so sorry to learn of Jane's passing. Although I had met her when we were in school, I really didn't get to know her until more recently from when I attended Trinity and lived next door to Joe and Jane. So thankful I had that pleasure. She was a wonderful example of a how to age gracefully with gratitude for all she had in her life and how to always, always have a welcoming smile and sunny attitude whether you only ran into her at the IGA or stopped by to visit her. She was so proud of all of you and loved her family above all else. May she rest in peace but I know she is because there's no doubt she's in Heaven with her God, her husband and the angels. May God be with you all the coming days and grant you comfort and peace.
So sorry for your loss our deepest condolences
Jane was a very special and lovely lady - one of my very favorite people. May she rest in peace.
So very sorry for the loss of “Aunt Jane”! I have heard so many wonderful things about her from my cousins in Fairview, Illinois and friends in Flora! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!! God Bless!
Jane was an amazing lady who was much loved. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and church family
Carole John and Joe Dick and I loved your mom from the day we met. She has a warmth and sincerity that was so endearing. I thought of her as the granny I never had and we enjoyed every chance we had to be with her.
Jon & Debbie; Joe & Jane,Jr.; and Carole & Tom and Families: We are so sorry for your loss, however, we’re so happy for Aunt Jane. Heaven’s gain is a profound loss to all who knew and loved Aunt Jane. This sweet lady touched and impacted countless lives. I enjoyed visiting with her and hearing her stories of the old days. She was one of the most generous people I’ve known. Last time I spoke with her, she told me she was so “ready to go” and now she has her wings. She will be so missed. Our prayers are with each of you. RIP dear Aunt Jane💕
My family would like to offer our condolences to the Gilliland Family; Jon & Debbie of Fond du Lac, WI, Joe & Jane Jr of Flora, and Tom & Carole Boyd of Burlington, IA. It has been years but I have nothing but fond memories associated with your family. It probably started out in Boy Scouts but continued for many years after I got out of scouts. I remember the many camping trips that Troop 282 went on. Even though the mothers did not go on the camping trips they were still an intricate part of our outings, and Jane was no exception. From our family to yours. Jim & Jean Ferguson
My sincerest condolences to the Gilliland family. Mrs. Gilliland was a wonderful bright memory in my childhood. I spent many summer days in the pool and most definitely enjoyed some of her yummy pies. She and my mom were good friends, and I consider all three of the Gilliland children to be my childhood "brothers and sisters". May your many fabulous memories continue to enrich your lives and help in this time of sadness.
My condolence to her family. She was such a great lady.
A bright light has moved from this Earth to the Heavens above. Shine on dear Jane.
When I think of, and remember, Aunt Jane it will be seeing her with a smile... always welcoming you and making you feel comfortable in her home...preparing 2 of my favorite meals from recipes that came from her...the kindness she showed to all...and so much more. A very special lady who will not be forgotten. My condolences to her loved ones. Soar with the angels Aunt Jane!
Tom and Carol, so sorry for your loss but what a powerful force and role model she was during her long life here on earth. We know you, Tom, and your kids/grandkids will miss her! Janis
Joe, Jane and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Such a life well lived. Prayers for comfort during this time. Treasure all your memories.
I was in community theater with Jane and Charles. They got to know my son, Matt, who was 5-6 years old. They would come get him and take him to DairyQueen. Wonderful people. I am sorry for your loss,
So sorry for your loss 🙏🙏🙏
So very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a sweet last and was loved and admired by many. Hugs for the family.
I feel so fortunate to have known Jane while growing up in Flora. Thank you Janna for sharing your aunt Jane with me. Condolences to all the family, Rosie
So sorry for your loss, but I must say WOW!!. 99 years old. Just thinkin about how much she must have experienced in her lifetime. I am sure there are hundreds of memories there you all can share !!! God Bless ya`ll !!!
Alan, Molly and Ally lived across the alley from Jane for many years. She will be missed along with her sister Bernadine. Our best wishes to all of Janes family. Love you all. The Simmons Family
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a sweet, wonderful lady! Hers was a life well-lived! With sympathy, Donna and Pat
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
It was such a pleasure to celebrate her 99th birthday last May with family and friends. Our lives were so blessed to have Aunt Jane in our family.
Charles and Jane were wonderful people and friends of my mom and dad, Ben and Mary Claire. I have such fond memories of swimming lessons at the Gilliland house. Sending my deepest condolences to Jon, Joe, and Carole and families. What a blessing your mom was to you all and to Flora.
So, so sorry for your loss. She was a tremendous lady. I’m honored you allowed me the opportunity to get to know her a little bit.
Jane was a gracious and “simply delightful” lady. Will be missed!
What a beautiful recap of Jane's life. Thank you for sharing. Carole, I see you live in Burlington, IA! I have a sister that has lived in New London, IA for years! I always remember your Mom & Dad with sweet, fond memories. They were always so kind & I never knew your grandpa built your house. I remember your home being warm & homey. Asking God to wrap His loving arms of comfort around you, Jon, Joe & your families! & Hope to see you at the reunion in Sept. 🙏
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful person she was and lived a life like no other. Her family 👪 will miss this great mentor for sure. ❤
Jane was such a kind, loving person. She will be deeply missed by many. Prayers are with her family.
For Jon, Joe and Carole, I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, but wow! What a wonderful, full life she lived. So many happy memories for you and your families. Because she was such a prolific writer, it sounds like you have lots of material. Her written words can live on for you always. God Bless…..
One of the most influential families in Flora is the Gilliand family. Charles Jane and their children. Jane told me how much she appreciated the music program.All three children are excellent musicians. I spoke to Jon most often. I’m sure you all remember the Good Times growing up here in Flora. Your Family has meant a lot to me. You are all in my prayers
Aunt Jane was one of God's very special people here on earth! She was my mom's,Joan Bryden's favorite Aunt! We spent time as children Karen, Stephen, Marcia on holidays and summer time. We ran back and forth between there and my grandma's house.I was blessed to spend some one on one time with her on a summer break I have fond memories of that time, she loved on me, made the best food and let me swim! John Joe and Corole and families my deepest sympathy. She will be warmly delivered into our Father's heaven and greeted by all that went before her, it will be a happy reunion! God Bless you all.
Love the obituary, Carole. Your mother was a hoot and will be missed dearly. You and your family Allison and my condolences. — Dale
Jon, Joe, Carole, I remember your mother as always smiling and welcoming me into her home. You certainly had a great mother. Mark Henson
We are sorry to hear of Mrs. Jane's passing. We enjoyed seeing her at ballgames and community activities. She was a special lady AND a Cardinals fan!
It is never easy to lose a parent, but I think of how fortunate you were to have had your mom for so many years. I enjoyed reading of her interests. A sharpshooter? Would not have guessed that! I know of her camps for her grandchildren. What memories she made for them! She was quite a woman. Memories are one of our best gifts. May yours surround and comfort you.
Carole, I am sorry for your Moms passing, but I am happy that you had such a wonderful Mom. Although much time has passed since I saw her last, I do remember her and how very nice and pleasant she always was to me.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
