Charlene Gilliam

Normal - Charlene M. Gilliam, 77, of Normal, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 after a brief illness at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A private, family graveside service will be held at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington. There will be a celebration of Charlene's life at a later date. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of Central Illinois or the Community Cancer Center in Normal.

Charlene was born on April 2, 1943 in Bloomington, a daughter to DeeDee Wright and Charles Molek. She was raised by her grandmother, Ella Ahrens. Charlene married Richard Gilliam, Sr. in 1960, they divorced in 1985.

Surviving are her three children, Karen (Mark) Casali and Richard (Heidi) Gilliam, Jr., both of Normal and Eric Gilliam of Moline; six grandchildren, Andrea Casali, Matthew Gilliam, and Jordan Gilliam, all of Normal, Justin Jordan and Kyle Jordan, both of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Erica Ziller of Hudson; and one great-grandson, Grayson of Normal.

Charlene retired after thirty-one years working for the Eureka Vacuum Company. She attended Bloomington Baptist Church for many years.

When she was younger, she liked to line dance and play bingo. After she retired, Charlene enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, cooking, and watching movies. She was a big fan of "The Young and the Restless."

Charlene was a kind and loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

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