Nancy Jane Gillum's Obituary
GILLUM, Nancy Jane, age 78, of Lebanon, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on December 4, 1946, in Boone County, West Virginia, to Richard and Ruby Johnson. She graduated from Springboro High School and attended Morehead State University from 1964 to 1965. Caring, giving, and very loving, Nancy had a very sweet personality. She was known for her unselfish, sacrificial ways of life, where she would do anything to help someone in need. At times, she had a feisty side to her, was no pushover, and would stand up for her family if needed. She had a heart of gold and was passionate about taking care of others, and was the ultimate caretaker. Nancy was extremely faithful and took great pride in being a Christian. She was a loyal member of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Waynesville for 52 years. Her caregiving nature was well-suited for preparing meals at the church for various functions, and she looked forward to these opportunities.
Gardening and cooking went hand in hand in the Gillum household. When she was tall enough to reach the stove, she was taught how to cook, and she has been cooking ever since. In her family, they were taught to live off the land, and they always had a garden. Her garden was always full of pole beans, corn, and numerous tomato plants. When it was harvesting season, she would be busy in the kitchen canning away. She created pickles, pears, and numerous other canned delights to be shared with her family and friends during the winter. She was a wonderful cook. She could create anything in her kitchen. She cherished big family meals when everyone got to be together. The grandchildren loved her mashed potatoes, and friends and family could contest to her pecan pie that she made for everyone at Christmas.
Family was everything to Nancy. She looked forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren. The biggest highlight was traveling to Topsail Island in North Carolina. She took these trips with her family when her boys were younger. Later in life, Nancy and her husband, Larry, purchased a home on Topsail Island, allowing them to enjoy the sound of the beach whenever they desired. It became a family tradition to stroll the beach looking for shark teeth to add to their collection. In addition, she also enjoyed collecting Precious Moments, Hallmark Christmas ornaments, and Tiffany Lamps. She loved to go shopping and be spoiled by her husband. She was an avid reader all her life. She had a sweet tooth for anything that was chocolate and suggested that Peanut M&M’s were healthy because they “had some protein.” Among many things, she will be remembered for the love and pride she had in her faith in our Lord and Savior, and her wonderful family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry, in 2019; parents, Richard and Ruby Johnson; one brother, Charlie Johnson; one sister, Sue Ater; and one brother-in-law, Snuffy Brock. She is survived by her two sons, Larry (Teresa) Gillum and Shawn (Debbie) Gillum; six grandchildren, Brenna (Brew) Turner, Emily (Jordan) Wolfe, Livia Gillum, Jacob Gillum, Colby Gillum, and Brooke Gillum; four great-grandchildren, Levi, Riley, Piper, and Mason; five brothers, Mark (Kim) Johnson, Joe Johnson, Jimmy (Donna) Johnson, Danny (Carrie) Johnson, Richard (Kim) Johnson; her sister, Wanda Brock; brother-in-law, Henry Ater; and sister-in-law, Tiny Johnson.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Waynesville. Tim Noble will be officiating the services. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Monday at the church. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to the Hospice of Dayton. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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