Gola M. Gilliland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gola Mae (Breland) Gilliland on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 in Oxford, MS. She was 91 years old. 

Gola was born on January 3, 1933 to John and Naomi Breland. She spent her childhood in Sherwood, MS along with her siblings, Mildred, Johnnie, Doyce, Dale, and Orville. On September 11, 1953, Gola married Richard Douglas Gilliland in West Point, MS. They had 5 children – Richard, Danny, Gary, John, and Roger – and eventually settled in Ackerman, MS. 

Gola was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She considered children to be her greatest joy and actively served in the Ackerman Baptist Church’s children’s ministry for decades. Her lively spirit kept her young at heart and led to her constant pursuit of new hobbies.

In her golden years, Gola discovered a hidden talent in oil painting. Largely influenced by the artistic style of Thomas Kinkade, she painted landscapes and reflections of childhood memories that will continue to be treasured by loved ones. 

Gola was a one-of-a-kind woman with an unwavering Christian faith. She endured the devasting losses of her husband and children, never veering from her trust in God’s plan. Her steadfast faith is an inspiration to many and a reminder of God’s constant provision. Let us not mourn the loss of this titan of the faith but instead celebrate the homecoming of a cherished child of God.  

She is survived by her grandchildren, Shawn (Jesse) Gilliland, Brandon Gilliland, and Meghan (Jake) Taylor, and her many nieces and nephews, including those that served as her caregivers – Sharon Jent, Sonja Parish, Janice Chesser, and Linda Chesser. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31 at 10:00am with a funeral service to follow at 11:00am at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. In lieu of flowers, given Gola’s dedication to serving children, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.