Jean Gilliland

Belva Jean Stover Gilliland, 83 of Blountsville, Alabama, died October 8, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born July 12, 1940, in Jasper Alabama, to C.L. Stover and Virginia Hendrix Stover. After graduating in 1958 from Mobile County High School in Grand Bay, Alabama, where she was student council president, she worked at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile until she and Allen began a family. When they moved to Blountsville in 1972, she took on the role of bookkeeper for the family business, Spring Valley Beach, which she did for 40 years. She also acted in this capacity for Gilliland Manufacturing Company and spent a year as secretary for Blountsville Baptist Church. Jean was devoted to her family and loved nothing more than hosting them in her home on birthdays and holidays. One of her favorite roles was being called Nana by her grandchildren, who adored her. She loved early American antiques and enjoyed shopping for and furnishing her home with them. She and Allen moved and restored an 18th century log cabin on their property, which she furnished and liked to share with others. Herb gardening was another love. An active member of the community, she was involved in many organizations including the Blountsville Baptist Church, the Mountain Melodies dulcimer group and the Blountsville Historical Society. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Allen Travis Gilliland, Sr.; daughters Kim Nix (Steve), Ashley Adams (Mark), and son Travis Gilliland (Kendra); grandchildren Rachel Johnson (Ethan), Joshua Parker, Jacob Adams, Trace Gilliland, Lilli Gilliland, and a sister, Bettye Wagner. She was predeceased by her parents, C.L. and Virginia Stover, and three brothers, Bill, Buddy and Bruce Stover. Funeral Service was 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Blountsville Baptist Church with Brother Randall Edmondson officiating. The burial was in Blountsville Cemetery, Blountsville Funeral Home directing. Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the Blountsville Baptist Church. Pallbearers: Joshua Parker, Jacob Adams, Trace Gilliland, Ethan Johnson, John Wagner and Tony Prince. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be sent to Blountsville Baptist Church or the Blountsville Historical Society.

Jean Gilliland

July 12, 1940 - October 8, 2023