Jean Gillard, age 87, of Liberty, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 20, 1937, in Orange, Texas, to the late Roberta Elizabeth Keigley Brock and J.E. Melancon, Sr.
Jeannie’s unwavering dedication to her career was truly inspiring. For over 33 years, she served the community as a social worker for the aged and disabled with the Texas Department of Human Resources in Liberty County. Her compassion, patience, and generosity were traits and tools she used to make a difference. She was instrumental in establishing the SOS program at a local school in Liberty, a testament to her commitment to helping others.
Jeannie was a woman of immense warmth and love, especially when it came to her family and friends. She cherished every moment spent with them. Her hobbies, such as raising sheep with her husband, Bubba, painting, crafting, enjoying the outdoors, and caring for FFA show animals, were all avenues for her to express her love for life. Whether tending to animals or spending time with family and friends, her love for life was always evident.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robbie Laird; and her siblings, Joseph E. “J.E.” Melancon, Jr., Gordon Elbert Melancon, and Martha Ann Hutchins.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of 40 years, Willard “Bubba” Gillard; stepdaughter Scharla Taylor and husband Scott of Katy; three grandchildren; siblings Celie Bloomfield and husband Joe of Beaumont and Mac Melancon of Batson; and a host of other loving relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Jeannie’s life was marked by her devotion to her family, selfless service to others, and deep love for life’s simple joys. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Archie Gillard, Rome Bloomfield, Clay Bloomfield, Luke Taylor, Garrett Taylor, and Scott Taylor will honor the family by serving as pallbearers.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main Street in Dayton. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 12:30 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 804 S. Cleveland Street in Dayton, with Fr. Peter Nguyen as the Celebrant. A Rite of Committal will immediately follow in the Liberty Catholic Cemetery in Liberty.
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