Elon Gillis Galloway

Mrs. Elon Gillis Galloway went to be with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 22 after a life well lived.

Elon was born on August 3, 1929 in Ware County to F.L. Smith and Lucille Buckley Smith. She was the eldest of her parent's five children. She attended Crawford Street, Waycross Junior high and graduated from Waresboro High School. She began her career with Southern Bell in 1948 as a long distance operator. She continued on this path doing several jobs including Customer instructor and Associate Manager of Operator Services. She specifically enjoyed teaching young people proper phone etiquette during her time on the job. Over the years Southern Bell would become Bellsouth, and then AT&T before Elon retired in 1986 with over 35 years of service.

Ms. Galloway was very involved in the local community. She was a member of the Waycross Women's Club, Golden K Kiwanis, Telephone Pioneers and Ware County Exchange Club Ladies Auxiliary.

Hospice had a very special place in the heart of Ms. Elon. She was one of the original Volunteers for Hospice Satilla. As well as the second chairperson of the Hospice Board. Her love and devotion for this cause lasted throughout her life, and she remained an active voting board member until her final days.

Ms. Galloway was the longest standing member of Second Baptist church. She was a very active member for many years, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and working in the children's ministry. She made some of the best Peanut butter and honey sandwiches for VBS on occasion too! Once her health declined, she began attending services on YouTube and keeping up with all the church information through the internet and many sweet visits from other church members.

Along with her parents Ms. Galloway is also preceded in death by two husbands, Raymond Theodore Gillis and Jessie Galloway, two sons Raymond Theodore Gillis Jr, whom she lost in infancy, and Michael Harrell Gillis, and two sisters, Patricia Smith and Maxine Taylor.

Ms. Galloway is survived by one son, Franklin Gillis (Tanya) of Waycross, Daughter-in-law Betty Gillis of Waycross, Step Daughter Gayle Richardson (David) Winston, GA, Step son Jess Galloway (Rhonda) Taylor, SC. Four grandchildren, Ray Gillis (Sarah) of Hahira, Dustin Gillis of Waycross, Dawn Gillis Griffis (Kevin) of Waycross, and Dessie Gillis of Waycross. Six Great grandchildren, Dalton Gillis of Waycross, Ashleigh Hernandez (Jesus) of Savannah, Austin Griffis, Fiona Ramos, Victor Gillis and Maci Gillis. Two Great Great grandchildren Daxston Gillis and KoraLee Gillis. She is also survived by one sister, Cornelia Bagley and her brother, Joel Smith (Cathy) As well as a close family friend Judy Pearson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m.Wednesday (February 25, 2026) at Second Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. The family will begin receiving friends at the church on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

We would also like to acknowledge Ms. Sue Wells and Visiting Angels for all the care and assistance over the last few years. As well as Satilla Hospice and their caring staff. We are so grateful for the care, love and compassion they have provided to Elon and our family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to Hospice Satilla of Waycross, or Second Baptist church of Waycross.

"We thank the Lord for these and all other blessings. Amen Amen."