Jean Angel Guilliams

Jean Angel Guilliams, 74, passed away peacefully to meet her Lord on Saturday morning, November 26, 2016. She was born on March 29, 1942 as the daughter of the late Edgar and Ora Cooper Angel of Callaway, VA. Jean was the only child of her parents, but she was so blessed to have many close female friends that she referred to as her “sisters”. Jean is survived by her best friend and husband of 55 joyous years. Bobby has been a very loving caregiver throughout Jean’s amazingly successful liver transplant and her most recent battle with skin cancer. Also to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon & Hugh Grindstaff of Rocky Mount, VA and her son and daughter-in-law, Bryan & Jeanne Guilliams of Raleigh, NC. The light of “Nana’s” life are her granddaughters, Madison & Bryanna Guilliams of Raleigh, NC. She enjoyed their summer visits that included cooking, painting, bedtime stories, serious chats, and the expected trip to the movies and ice cream. During her liver transplant recovery, the girls were her best walking buddies and constant reminders of the generosity of her liver donor to enable her to spend more years enjoying life. Jean is also survived by her step-grandchildren Kelli Grindstaff Hopkins and husband, WL and Adam Grindstaff and wife, Kate. Also by step-great grandchildren: Isaac, Elijah, Cassidi, Isabelle, and Scarlet. Bobby’s family held a special place in Jean’s heart as well: Sandra & Joe Hollandsworth, Janice Kostielney, Ken & Linda Guilliams, Barry Guilliams, June & Tim Holt, and their special nieces and nephews. After graduating from Franklin County High School, Jean devoted her working career to Allstate Insurance Company for 37 ½ years. She began in Policy Files and worked her way up to become a Senior Claims Analyst. She gave her best to her work and made many lasting friendships. A lifelong resident of Franklin County, Jean was very involved in the community as part of the Boones Mill Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary, PTA president, Franklin County Band Booster, and a member of the Franklin County Community Choir. She and Bobby made such an effort to always be there at any school function in which Sharon or Bryan were involved. Jean is a member of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren where she enjoyed sharing her love of music. Whether it be as an organist, pianist, songleader, choir director, choir member, or Worship and Music Commission chairperson – she shared her talents and was a willing and faithful servant. She loves the Lord and was so grateful to all of the churches that included her on their prayer lists as she awaited the transplant and continuing through her struggles with cancer. She fought hard through the pain, and she was always so appreciative for the cards, love, kindness, and support she was given along the way. Jean always had a smile! She put others first and was such a positive influence in the many lives that she has touched. A special thanks to Dr. Berg and the liver transplant team at Duke University, her Home Health Nurses, the most recent Hospice staff, and to Dr. Paula Martin. Jean’s family was so thankful for her opportunity to be a transplant recipient that they encourage everyone to be an organ donor to assist someone in need. The family will receive friends at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren (4250 Bethlehem Road, Boones Mill, VA) on Monday evening, November 28, 2016 from 5 – 8 p.m. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Church. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated in Jean’s honor to Bethlehem Church of the Brethren.