Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, Barbara Jean Gill received her wings and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 4, 2015. She was born November 6, 1937 in Saginaw, Michigan to Reverend Ray L. Smith and Myrtle N. Watson.
Barbara loved the Lord and was an avid Bible reader and student. Although we will miss her earthly presence, we rejoice because we know she made it! Barbara was a former member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where she served with the Greeters Ministry and the We Care Ministry. Barbara loved to sew and was a professional seamstress. She could make anything and everything without a pattern. She enjoyed creating ceramic designs and often went to various ceramic shows and sold her fabulous creations. Barbara was an awesome cook and was always looking for new recipes to prepare. She was an avid basketball fan and watched every professional team that played. Barbara loved bowling, rescuing cats and watching Lifetime television. She retired after 30 years of service for General Motors Corporation. Barbara was a giving person and often opened up her home to those in need. With her kind heart and loving spirit, she touched so many lives throughout her lifetime and she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Barbara was married to the loved of her life Willis Gill for 45 years; he predeceased her in 2004. She leaves to cherish her memory one loving son, Jarrod V. Gill Sr.; a beloved grandson, Jarrod Jr. whom she affectionately called JoJo; an adopted grand-daughter, Isona (Joseph) McFee and their son, Joseph; one brother-in-law, Eligh Arnold; two special sons, DeJuan Jones and Darrell Youngblood and others who called her Mrs. G; special nieces and nephews, Cathy (Herman) Sims, Diane (Michael) Sewell, Patricia (Henry) Speight, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Kimberly Arnold of Mansfield, Texas, Janis and Keisha Gill; seven great-nephews, Michael Sewell Jr., Anthony (Latoya) Sewell, Marques (Laquis) Sewell, Alfonzie Pipkins Jr., Jeremy Sewell, Demarius Pipkins, Herman Breon Sims, Ondre Pipkins and Henry A.J. Speight; three great-nieces, Jaleissa M. Speight, Tiffani M. Pipkins and BreAna M. Speight; eleven great-great-nieces and nephews; her special cousins, Carol, Carla, Janique and KSari Garnett, Cheryl Lynn Garnett, Ray Carl Smith, Richard (Shell) Smith, Orlondo Granison, Geraldine Smith and Webster Kirksey; two aunts, Juanita Smith and Margaret (Elmo) Hall; special friends, Joyce Marsh, Florida Pruitt, Norma Loth, LeeAnn and countless other relatives and friends whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Ray L. Smith and Myrtle N. Clayton, her beloved sister, Jacqueline O. Arnold.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel and the handymen, Herman, Ray Carl, Orlondo and Richard for helping Barbara whenever she called. We appreciate all that you did.
Visitation: Thursday, July 16, 2015 - 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Family Hour: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Funeral Service: Friday, July 17, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Officiating: Richard Smith, Greater Williams Temple COGIC
Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery
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