Betty Jean Gilliam

Betty Jean Gilliam was born on February 8, 1935, in Harlan, Kentucky. She passed away peacefully in her home on August 22, 2025, at the age of 90 (she was very proud of that!). Betty was predeceased by her husband, Omar Richardson Gilliam, who passed away in 1995, as well as her parents, Emmett F. and Eva (nee Montgomery) Harris, and siblings Billie Faye Rose, James Fredrick Harris, Robert Curtis Harris, and Margaret Jewell Boyd. Betty is survived by her sister, Cinda Sue (Jerry) Smith.

Throughout her life, Betty worked hard caring for first her parents and siblings, and later her own family. She took immense pride in the life she built for her family and was known for her big personality, her Kentucky accent (the real deal!), and her outgoing nature (she never met a stranger). Betty was not only a loving and caring individual but also a devoted Christian and prayer warrior.

Family was everything to Betty. She is survived by three of her children, Gene (Pamela) Gilliam, Peggy (James) Spurlock, and Linda (Ernest) Fox, and was predeceased by two of her children, Tom Gilliam and Danny Gilliam. Her legacy includes her grandchildren, Toby (Kelli) Gilliam, Lisa (Tim) Masterson, Amy Moses, Amanda Gilliam, Michael Harrison, Eva Gilliam, Becky (Frankie) Stath, Cathy (Chris) Gilliam, Staci Spurlock, Jessi Spurlock, John (Sneha) Spurlock, Rebecca (Tim) Carson, Sara Verhonich, Steven Gilliam, and Robert Gilliam, plus ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A talented cook, Betty was known for her sausage gravy and biscuits, a family favorite. She loved fishing, once catching a 28 pound catfish (another source of pride). She also enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. But her proudest accomplishment and greatest joy was undoubtedly her family.

Friends, family, and all who knew Betty Jean Gilliam are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 AM at Mueller Funeral Home located at 6791 Tylersville Rd, Mason, OH 45040. The family invites you to join them for food and fellowship immediately following the service located in the Mueller Family Center. The graveside service will take place at the Baltimore Pike Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH at 2:00 PM.

Betty Jean Gilliam (aka Mom, Granny or Betty) will be remembered for her compassion and her love. She will be deeply missed.