Attie Lee Gilliam

Attie Lee Gilliam December 19, 1924 - January 2, 2013 After living a long and beautiful life on this earth, Attie Lee Gilliam Nuna Bear of China Spring, Texas, a wonderful woman with a heart of gold, was called to heaven Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at the age of 88. Her blessings unto this life were her family, who had the honor of being at her side through life as well as her death. She lived the last years of her life at Providence St. Catherine's nursing facility where she made many friends. Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 5, with Tom Len, Deacon and time dear friend, officiating at China Spring Cemetery, in the community where she grew up. The family will receive visitors 6:00 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Attie Lee Carpenter Gilliam was born in China Spring to Arthur Y. Carpenter and Mittie Andrews Carpenter on December 19, 1924, the youngest of five children. She grew up in China Spring and attended schools in China Spring and in Waco. On June 6, 1942, she married Robert D. " Jack" Gilliam and to their union they were blessed with three children, Tommy, Becky, and Dale. Attie Lee's occupations started with her working along side her father in the family grocery store and later during WWII as a "Rosie the Riveter" working on aircraft. In the early 1950's, she and Jack started Gilliam Construction and were active in the company until his death in 1981. At a young age, Attie Lee gave her heart to the Lord and was always faithful in church. She loved serving the Lord, especially being a member of the WMU and a leader in the Awana program at Bosqueville Baptist Church. She loved helping in the development of the spiritual and faithful growth of children. She was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church in China Spring and a past member of the China Spring Civic Club. She enjoyed serving as a member of the Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary in the 1980's. Her greatest love was her four grandsons. She had the opportunity to be a part of their lives on a daily basis and watch them grow into wonderful successful young men. They all kept her very busy with all of their sporting events and keeping the cookie jar full of snicker doodles and tea cakes. Most of all, we will remember her for her homemade chocolate pudding and the best coconut cream pies. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack; her eldest son, Tommy; and her three brothers, Coke, Jigs, and Addis Carpenter. Attie Lee Nuna Bear is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sister. Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca Becky Lindsey and husband, Claude, of Waco, their children and grandchildren; Ryan and Jennifer Lindsey and son, William, of Waco, Russell and Dr. Sara Lindsey and daughters, Leighton and Emma of Heath, TX; son, Dale Gilliam and wife, Teresa, of China Spring, their children and grandchildren, Dr. Bradley and Kaley Gilliam and children, Colton and Bristol of San Antonio; Brent and Christie Gilliam and soon to be number six great grandchild of China Spring; her sister, Ruby Saffle of Paris, Tex., and many cherished extended family members and dear friends. She will be honorably escorted to her final resting place by her son, son-in-law, and grandsons. For those who knew Attie Lee, they knew she was a fighter for life. She survived three different types of cancers and was a 5 year survivor after her stroke. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Ross Shipp retired for his compassion and caring and to neighborhood four caregivers at St. Catherine's, especially to the second shift group, "Sergeant Mary", Lacy, Treleta, Sandra, Lisa, Lee and Linda. The care and respect that was shown to our Nuna Bear by each of you will greatly be remembered and always appreciated. For those desiring to make a memorial contribution the family has suggested Community Cancer or Providence Foundation. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey