Darlene Gilliam, age 83 of Council Bluffs, IA; formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Comfort Care Homes in Omaha, NE. She was born November 2, 1933 in Spencer, IA; the daughter of the late Edward and Laura (Goyette) Parks. Darlene married Wirt Gilliam Jr. on October 3, 1953 in Spencer, IA. He died in 1986.
She had worked at the Thermos Company as payroll supervisor. Darlene enjoyed swimming, playing bridge, making candles, and sewing. She volunteered, through AARP, with assisting seniors in completing their taxes.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Mike) Vogel of Council Bluffs, IA; sons, David Gilliam of San Francisco, CA and Wirt Gilliam, III of San Diego, CA; and grandchildren, Ashley & Jeremy Vogel and Corey, Robert Jr., Shelby, & Chelsea Gilliam; and great-grandchildren, Luke Gilliam and Isaiah & Paris Schaible. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wirt; and son, Robert Gilliam Sr.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 am at Walker Mortuary in Freeport with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established.