Iva Mae Gillis

Iva Mae Gillis (Johnson) passed into the arms of Jesus on March 24, 2023 at the age of 92 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca and Harkes Johnson, her beloved husband, James Thomas Gillis, and her loving sister Virginia Faye Akers. She is survived by her dear sister Leah Rae Trammel (Rev. James Thomas Trammel) and her son Steven Haywood Gillis, her grandchildren Joshua Gillis and Tamara Marshall (Matthew) and Jacob Gillis (Kaitlin). Her Great grandchildren Stephen Marshall (Bailee) Kylie Marshall and Rebecca Marshall. Great-great grandson Estes Marshall. Devoted niece and care-giver Melissa Ralston (Larry) and many more nieces, nephews and cousins.

Iva was born in Cincinnati and raised in Lockland OH. She graduated in 1948 and married the love of her life James Gillis December 17, 1949. She attended the Lockland Baptist church where she accepted Christ as her savior and eventually became the church secretary. Then reluctantly took a job at General Electric aircraft engines as a secretary and worked hard to become promoted to the HR department as a recruiter. She retired 32 years later. She loved hosting parties and was a fierce competitor when playing games, cards and weekly Mahjong with family and friends. She loved music and played the piano and organ and also volunteered to play at a nearby nursing home until she was 91 years old. Through the years she served in several churches in all aspects of ministry with singing, teaching, participating in bible studies and mission work.  She loved the people around her as though they were her own family. While Iva’s life on this earth has ended, her legacy is felt in her family and all the people she loved along life’s journey.

Family and friends may visit Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 9:30am-11am at Landmark Church 1600 Glendale-Milford Rd., Evendale, OH 45215. The service will be Wednesday at 11am. Burial will follow in Arlington Memorial Gardens.

Fellowship and luncheon will be shared at Landmark Church immediately after returning from the burial.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Fellowship Baptist Church, 9431 Shelly Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45242

-or to

Queen City Hospice Donate to: Addus Hope Foundation, 4605 Duke Dr., Mason, OH 45040