Ela Parrish Gilliam

Ela Parrish Gilliam, 97, retired seamstress for Weather-Tamer and resident of Denham Avenue, died Saturday, October 6, 2018 at NHC Columbia. A graveside service was conducted Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. at Philadelphia Cemetery with David Morris officiating. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors assisted the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials be made to American Lung Association of Tennessee, 1 Vantage Way, Suite C120, Nashville, TN 37228. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born October 15, 1920 in Maury County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Brown Parrish and the late Ada Ophelia Davidson Parrish. On July 31, 1943, she married Carl Eugene Gilliam who preceded her in death January 21, 1979. After retirement, Mrs. Gilliam worked as caregiver for many loved ones. An avid quilter, she enjoyed sewing, canning, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the church of Christ. Survivors include her daughters, Carline Bell of Columbia; Pattie (Stan) Farris of Culleoka; grandchildren, Teri (Alvin) Dowers; Jason (Tracy) Bell; LeAnna (Chris) Landwehr; great grandchildren, Brent Baker; Luke Dowers; Kinsley Dowers; Lakelyn Landwehr; Kye Landwehr; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Joe Lane Gilliam; Patricia Ann Gilliam; Freddie Don Gilliam; grandson, Carl Brandon Farris; sisters, Edna Brown; Polly Andrews; Jewell Allen; Lola Moser; brothers, Walter Parrish; Chesley Parrish; Carl Parrish; Grady Parrish; Paul Parrish; and step-sons, Ralph Gilliam; and Dennison Gilliam.Active pallbearers were Stan Farris, Jason Bell, Brent Baker, Chris Landwehr, Alvin Dowers, and Luke Dowers. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of NHC Columbia for their care.