Dorothy Loretta Gilliss

Dorothy Loretta Gilliss, 85, of Oktaha, OK, was born the daughter of Floyd and Edith (Head) Norman January 17, 1939, in Temple, OK and passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Muskogee. Dorothy graduated high school with the class of 1956 from Temple High School, and attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. She was a resident of Walters, OK until 1977, the year she met and married the love of her life, Claude “Jerry” Gilliss on July 3, 1977. After receiving her education, she pursued a career as a book-keeper for various foundries and construction companies. Dorthy loved life. She was an avid member of First United Methodist Church in Oktaha, OK, playing piano there for many years. Dorothy loved to cook, making many meals for her loved ones over the years. She was adventurous and loved to travel, visiting all 50 states with her husband in their 47 years of marriage. She loved to play cards, sew, read, and she was a faithful supporter to the Oktaha Tigers, specifically the basketball and debate team. Dorothy found a passion in pecan farming, which led her to be a member of the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association for many years. She was known for her loving spirit, infectious smile, and her loud, belly laugh. She loved her family and her animals, and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Dorothy was preceded in death by her daughter, Gerri Yarbor; son, Tommy Meyer; her parents, Floyd and Edith (Head) Norman; her sister-in-law, Karen Keith; brother-in-law, Stormy Gilliss; and her mother-in-law, Rita Taldo. She is survived by her loving husband, Claude “Jerry” Gilliss of Muskogee, OK; daughter, Kathy Ables and husband Ronnie Ables, of Walters, OK; son, Kenny Meyer and wife Debbie of Walters, OK; son, Daniel Gilliss of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Pamela Cale and husband Chuck Cale of Jenks, OK; daughter, Lynn Gilliss of Texas; daughter, Amanda Gilliss of Chicago, IL; brother-in-law, Eddie Gilliss and wife Patti Gilliss of Claremore, OK; brother-in-law, Bill Keith of Tulsa, OK; sister-in-law, Carol Eftekahari of Port Richey, FL; and a special friend, Sarah Antwine; nineteen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and many friends. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held 3:00 PM, Friday, June 7, 2024 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel in Muskogee with Reverend Paul Metcalfe and Reverend James Williams officiating. The family of Dorothy Loretta Gilliss has entrusted her care, service, and cremation to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Muskogee. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for Dorothy’s family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com To view Dorothy's celebration of life, please click on this link: https://teams.live.com/meet/9392136636069?p=ZZWsSTyR5EvsnoZc98

Dorothy Loretta Gilliss

January 17, 1939 - June 1, 2024