Barbara Jean Gill

Barbara Jean Gill was born on August 27, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dorothy Sartain and Elmer Sharp and passed away on January 4, 2026, after a courageous journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Barbara was married for 54 years to her beloved husband, Kenneth, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life grounded in commitment, faith, and family. She was a devoted mother to three children and was preceded in death by her middle child, Steven Gill. She is survived by her eldest child, Charles “Chuck” Gill, and her youngest child, ShaReé Gill. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Melanie Gill, and her grandchildren, Carissa Barrett, Hunter Gill, and Garrett Gill.

Barbara devoted her life as the steady center of her family, providing security, warmth, and an unwavering sense of home. She supported and nurtured the individuality and growth of each of her children and grandchildren with encouragement and unconditional love.

Known for her grace, generosity, and fashinista ways, Barbara carried herself with dignity and compassion. Her deep faith guided her life and shaped how she loved, endured, and served others within her church, family, and friendships.

Through illness and adversity, she remained resilient, holding herself with dignity, beauty, and grace.

Barbara gave freely, forgave readily, and loved deeply.
Her love was constant and sustaining - like sunlight, it nourished everything it touched.
Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.


“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
— Proverbs 31:25