Barbara Shurtz Gilliam

Barbara Shurtz Gilliam, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Archbold Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia.

Barbara was born on July 12, 1936, in Champaign, Illinois, to the late Wendell and Margaret Shurtz. An only child, she grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she attended Science Hill High School and was proudly selected as a Lieutenant Colonel in the ROTC. She went on to earn an associate degree from Gulf Park College for Women in Gulfport, Mississippi, before attending the University of Kentucky. It was there that she met the love of her life, the late Bill Johnson Gilliam. They were married on July 12, 1958.

Barbara and Bill built a loving family together and are survived by their three children: Heather Gilliam Butler (Terry), Stephan Shurtz Gilliam (Donna), and David Wesley Gilliam (Connie). She was “Nannie” to seven cherished grandchildren: Sarah Gilliam (Adam Smith), Walker Peterson (Leah), Stephanie Gilliam, Abby Gilliam, Wesley Gilliam, Joshua Gilliam, and Noah Gilliam. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Oliver Smith, Foster Peterson, and Griffin Smith.

Barbara will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She had a heart for service and always thought of others first, making everyone around her feel loved and valued. She was an active member of Thomasville First Methodist Church, faithfully serving for many years on the prayer team. She was also a volunteer with the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe for many years and enjoyed helping backstage and in the orchestra pit.

A Thomasville resident for 53 years, Barbara spent her career caring for children and serving her community. She taught kindergarten at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, worked as a retail buyer at Neel’s Department Store, and later found joy in sales at Hicks Clothing Store, where she loved helping ladies find the perfect outfit.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Allen & Allen Funeral Home in Thomasville on Saturday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Thomasville First Methodist Church or Gideons International.