We are announcing the passing of Jeannine Kay Gilliam, “Jean,” whose life was devoted to loving deeply and caring for others, along with a heart for serving her Lord Jesus Christ. Jean lived in Independence, MO with her surviving husband, Roy Gilliam, her daughter, Gaylene Huff and her grandson, Trevor Huff.
After long bouts of health issues and and several recent hospitalizations, Jean passed under the care of Northcare Hospice House in Kansas City, MO and their amazing, beloved staff. She entered into heavenly rest on January 18, 2026. In the few short days prior to her passing (and in true Jean fashion) she quickly made friends with the care team and even brought some humor to the scene. Because she found it difficult to remember all the care team’s names, she decided to call them all “sweetheart” and tell them “Thanks for taking care of me, I love you” every time they left the room.
Jean was born in Newton, KS to John D. “Dutch” and Ruby M. Kessler and grew up around the Atchison, Kansas area. As the eldest, she took on a “motherly” role that became as natural to her as blinking an eye. She had an innate desire to help everyone. She was project oriented and constantly caring for and giving to her neighbors.
With so much love to give it would only make sense that she would vastly pour her love and attention into her grandchildren. Jean was a “fun Nana/Grandma” type. Often bypassing everyone else in the room to get to that little one only to snatch them up, shower them with kisses and silly talk until they erupted into giggles. She was the first to suggest playing in the water or mud or in one instance, wading into the ocean while waiting for a wedding to start! A wave came barreling towards Jean and her grandson and they both began laughing so hard they could hardly move. Needless to say, the little ring bearer was a little wet, but oh so cute. Jean just giggled about the whole thing, proud of her choice to live a little extra and have a little fun.
Jean was known for her homemade Old Fashioned Caramel Popcorn! It all started when she’d make batches and batches of it every year beginning November 1st for the the Christmas season. Blessed recipients started out being family and friends which then grew to her taking tins of popcorn to Doctor’s offices, Pharmacists, hair stylists, etc. Folks would ask for it every year just to be sure they wouldn’t be forgotten. The house was filled with the most scrumptious buttery caramel scent from November through January 1st every year!
Jean and her husband Roy were married in Lawrence, KS May 4, 1966. It wasn’t long after that their family was growing. Jean and Roy gave their lives to the Lord and began a family music ministry traveling and singing Southern Gospel music all the while being based out of Lawrence. Their son, Butch, played bass guitar and daughter, Gaylene played keyboards and all the family sang. They spent the next seventeen years building friendships, making memories, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and growing. Ultimately, they moved to Dallas, Tx then Dalton, GA for ministry purposes.
A newly found pastime that Jean has discovered is coloring. At first she felt it might be too childish to color in a book, but after a few minutes she was hooked! It brought her peace when it was difficult for her to breathe. Her favorites were pictures with scriptures or words of encouragement. Often times people would see her coloring while waiting for an appointment and compliment her work. She’d happily give them the a page to keep.
Jean is survived by her husband, Roy S. Gilliam, her son Larry “Butch” Gilliam, her daughter, Gaylene Huff, granddaughter Anne Qualls, grandson Trevor Huff, great grandchildren Jaiden Long, Ethan Long, Christian Qualls, Cashdyn Qualls. Jean’s sister, Linda Hayden, brother Jerry Kessler, and special mention of her bonus-daughter (niece) Tamela Brown. She is survived by many more beautiful family members and precious friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John D. “Dutch” and Ruby M. Kessler and her sister Dianna Bone.
Service will be at Grace Christian Assembly, 2309 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO. 64129, Family visitation will be at 11am and the service will begin at 12pm.
A private burial will take place on a different date at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Donations can be sent in Jean’s name to St Jude Children’s Hospital
