Martha Irene Jackson Gillum, 87, of Roanoke, Virginia, formerly of Hall and Pleasant Ridge, West Virginia passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2005, in Lewis-Gale Hospital in Roanoke, Va. She was a member of the Hollins Church of the Nazarene. Irene was a loving wife, devoted mother, and loyal sister.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents Roscoe and Madge Radabaugh and her grandson Douglas Burl Gillum.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Burl H. Gillum; brother Theodore Jackson of Richmond, Va.; son and daughter-in-law Thomas W. and Loretta Gillum of Pleasant Ridge, W.Va.; two daughters and sons-in-law: Carola and Julian Bell of Signal Mountain, Tenn. and Kay and Bill Meredith of Midlothian, Va.; six grandsons: Steve Gillum of Georgia, Wayne Gillum of Michigan, Julian, Jon and Jay Bell of Tennessee, and Edward Meredith of Virginia; one granddaughter Laura M. Heitland of Missouri; 15 great-grandchildren: Jami, Douglas and Amanda Gillum of Michigan; Ashley and Travis Gillum of Michigan; Baker and Riley Bell; Jerica, Caleb, and Sara Bell; Carlos and Veronica Bell all of Tennessee; Meredith and Jackson Heitland of Missouri; and one nephew John Jackson of Virginia.
Irene has been lovingly and tenderly cared for by Sharon Tyler, her friend, for many months.
Friends and loved ones have grown in abundance around Irene in her 47 years in Roanoke. Irene will always be remembered as a gracious woman of God. Her love of and adoration for her husband were outstanding as she supported him through his service in World War II, his work at J.C. Penney and raising of their three children. Her door was open to friends, her heart generous and loving, and her hands talented in needlework of various sorts. Irene loved many things about this life including cooking; she said, of what turned out to be her final day, “It was fun!” She’d baked a carrot cake after searching for just the right recipe all week. Irene, exemplified the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31: her hands were never idle, sewing, cooking, gardening, and helping others were the mainstay of her life. Her children rose up to be productive godly people who blessed her motherhood in their lives. Her husband cherished and praised her work each day. She looked out for her family and friends caring more for their well being than the limelight of self-preservation. Irene was a truly successful woman; a rare, but true thing of beauty. She was an excellent wife to Burl; she was a devoted mother to Tom, Carola, and Kay, she doted on her grandchildren hosting them summer after summer in her home and she was a proud great-grandmother of 15. Irene’s humor and wit, work and love will never be forgotten, but cherished as a fine treasure.
Friends were received on Sunday, October 2, 2005 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held 10 a.m. today, October 3, 2005, at the funeral chapel. The burial will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery. The Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Martha Irene Jackson Gillum was of the Henry Jackson line.
Submitted by Nancy A. Jackson