Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Jane Gilliland
May 14th, 1922 - Feb 21st, 2022The 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