Wilma Jean Story Gilliam

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Wilma Jean Story Gilliam, a resident of Avon, Alabama died peacefully Sunday, June 21, 2026, at her home. She was 90.

Jean was born October 23, 1935 in Charlotte, TN. At 18 years old, she married the love of her life, Jerry Mathis Gilliam. Together they spent many years relocating all over the country with Jerry’s job and finally moved to Dothan in 1972 for Jerry to succeed Mr. Red McGuirck as the president of the Colonial Bakery. After decades of raising children and supporting her husband, Jean went to nursing school and became a LPN, first working at Extendicare but spent the majority of her career at Dothan Pediatric Clinic as Dr. Barron’s nurse.

Jean enjoyed spending time as an Eastern Star, volunteering with The National Peanut Festival, and many years as a member of The Dothan Pilot Club. She was a devoted member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church as well as an annual donor to SEACT and The University of Alabama.

Jean will be remembered for her generous spirit, always looking her best, and loving her family and friends well. She enjoyed traveling the world, giving to others, watching Alabama football, and most importantly, spending time with her family. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she had a stocking for every person in her family hanging from her mantle every year.

Jean was cared for by such loving and devoted caregivers. The family expresses their gratitude to Ms. Betty, Ms. Hattie, Ms. Monica, and Joyce with Gentiva Hospice.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roger and Mabel Story of Charlotte, TN, her loving husband, Jerry Mathis Gilliam, her brother, Charles Story and his wife Wilma Story, her oldest son, Jerry Mathis Gilliam, Jr, and her grandson Dustin Colt Gilliam.

She is survived by her sisters: Sandra Fergueson (Carl) and Brenda Holder (Terry). Her daughter Pamela Leverette (Ben) and youngest son Steven Gilliam (Ashley). Her beloved daughter-in-law for many years: Jane Sunday (Rickey). Grandchildren: Jerry Mathis Gilliam III (Shanda), Ashley Leverette, Jessica Nichols (Adam), Judson Leverette (Hope), Sarah Kathryn Lyndall (Colby Mansman), and Mary Elizabeth Lyndall (Bull Milstead). Great grandchildren: Bradley Clements, Trenton Gilliam (Isabella), Banks Nichols, Weston Nichols, Cooper Milstead, Benjamin Leverette, and Lucy Grace Leverette. Jean had one Great-great grandchild: Danny Mack Clements. She had a great-granddaughter on the way, Charlotte Elizabeth Mansman as well as a great-great grandson due in November, Colton Gilliam. Jean was also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held in Cumberland Furnace, TN on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s honor can be made to The Dothan Pilot Club, The National Peanut Festival, or SEACT.