Patsy Gilliam

Oakridge native Patsy Gilliam passed away on October 12, 2023, at the age of 80. Patsy was born in Oakridge in April 1943 to Sherman and Hazel (McAtee) Tiller. She was the 6th of 10 children.
Patsy attended Oakridge schools and graduated in 1961 from Oakridge High School where she played clarinet in the band. After high school, Patsy attended business college in Eugene, OR. After completion of her studies, she came back to Oakridge and began work as a teller at the First National Bank. She enjoyed driving her blue Mustang and went on trips to California with family and her dachshund, Toby.
In 1965 she married Rodney Gilliam at the First Christian Church, and they built a home on Douglas Street. In 1970 they welcomed their first daughter Shawnna. Younger daughter, Lindie, made the family complete in 1973. Patsy took some time away from banking to be at home with her girls but went back part time when the girls were both in school.
Patsy worked in banking in Oakridge for nearly 45 years from 1963 to her retirement in 2008. She enjoyed serving the community in that role and would go to homes to help elderly customers with their banking needs. She was named Junior First Citizen in the 1980's. She served as a local coordinator for March of Dime and lead her daughters' girl scout troops. Patsy served as a member of the Oakridge Museum Board and the local Kiwanis Club. She also organized the Lane County Blood Drive in Oakridge where she was known for her Lemon Bars.
Patsy's favorite place to serve was the First Christian Church. She taught children's Sunday School for many years. She was active in the Women's Loyal Workers group, caring for the church and organizing bazaars and rummage sales. She also served as secretary/treasurer and was a member of the choir and worship team.
Patsy loved spending time with her family. Taking camping and fishing trips, holidays, and playing cards and dice games. The family always had a garden and Patsy preserved the produce. Patsy enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, particularly the annual New Years Eve Spilt Pea Soup. She sewed and made clothes for her children when they were young. She also crocheted and other crafty pursuits. She loved music.
She was proud of her daughters and greatly enjoyed spending time with them in their homes or when they could come to visit in Oakridge. The annual McAtee Family Reunion in Oakridge was an event she was excited for every year. Patsy dearly loved being "Grammie Patsy" to her grandson Rex Keely III and made many trips to see him.
She was preceded in death by: her husband Rodney, her mother and father, Sherman and Hazel (McAtee) Tiller; her bothers, Dale (Mercy) Tiller, Wesley (Karon) Tiller, and Larry (Karen) Tiller; sisters, Verna (Jack) Loudermilk and Nadine (Olin) Lunyou.
She is survived by her daughters, Shawnna Gilliam of St Helens, OR and Lindie Keely, son-in-law Rex and grandson Rex of Charlotte, NC; sisters Darlene (Mike) Jennings of Montana, Nancy (Lenny) Evanson of Oakridge; bothers Paul (Margaret) Tiller of Oakridge, and Donnie (Brenda) Tiller of LaPine. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 4th at 2pm at the First Christian Church. Please stay for fellowship and finger food provided after the service. Patsy will be laid to rest with her late husband at Forestvale Memorial Park in a private family service.
Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of the arrangements. Visit www.majorfamilyfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Patsy.