Joyce Gilliam

Joyce Ellen Gilliam was born Oct. 28, 1931 in Cavalier, North Dakota. She passed away peacefully under the care of Hospice of Spokane and the wonderful staff at South Hill Village Memory Care.

Joyce grew up in Libby and married Dale Johnson. They had a child every year for three years and then skipped a year and had twins! She later divorced, and married Floyd Gilliam. They had one daughter.

Joyce went back to school while still raising six children and graduated with honors from the Deaconess School of Nursing.

She and Floyd were able to buy their dream home on Spokane’s South Hill and had 37 joyous years there. When she retired from her nursing career at Deaconess, she spent her time gardening, traveling and doting on her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of over 50 years, Floyd Gilliam, who passed on the same day seven years ago; her parents, Howard and Muriel Thompson; her daughter, Linda Lou Donoho; and her brother, Lloyd.

She is survived by her brothers Roy and Warren; her children Marlene (Mike) Robinson, Paul (Victoria) Johnson, Cheryl (Rob) Swedo, Brenda (Mick) Lauritzen and Diane Carr; grandchildren Lisa, Travis, Dylan Aleta, Theresa, Jason, Carter, Jaydee, Amy, Alexis and Celine. She also has 10 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

A service will be held Friday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane with burial to follow at Spokane Memorial Gardens.