Barbara Jean Garlits Gilson was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday October 28, 2020, at
Cloverleaf Health Care, with her family by her side. Defiant to the end, she remained covid negative and
went out her way. Our momma was born December 22, 1925 to Edna Haviland Garlits and Alan Garlits
in Coal City Indiana. She was raised on the family farm, with her brothers Floyd Garlits and Herman
Haviland, and graduated from Clay City High School. She moved to Indianapolis as a young adult and met
her future husband, Jess B Gilson Jr. Together they moved to Prescott Arizona and married on May 18,
1957. He proceeded her in death on September 24, 1970. Once she became a single mother to four
young children she moved her family back to Indiana where family lived and settled in Brazil. She
worked at the old Windbreaker factory, as well as Clay County Hospital but found her true passion in
helping others when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant with the Clay County Health Center. She
worked there for almost 30 years, retiring completely at the age of 80. She was well known for her
expert sewing skills. She also enjoyed crocheting.
She adored her grand children and her great grandchildren. She was the best momma, grandma and
great grandma that we could ever ask for and she will be loved and missed every day.
She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, brothers, sisters in law as well as many other family
members. She is survived by her children Susan Gilson Short, Brazil, IN, Denise Gilson, Nashville, TN,
Dennis Gilson, Indianapolis, IN and Richard Gilson, Brazil, IN. Her grandchildren Amber Stephenson
(Dave) Reelsville, IN, Michael Short (Shyleigh), Brazil, IN, Bailey Lumsdon (Jared), Brazil, IN and her great
grandchildren Rylan Grace Short, Kamdyn Jessa Short, Rylan Scott Lumsdon and Harper Mae Lumsdon.
Greiner Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Internment was at the Asbery Cemetary in
Morristown, IN on Monday November 2 at 1:00pm with family attending. We would like to thank the
staff at Cloverleaf Health Care and Hospice of the Wabash Valley, as well as Greiner Funeral Home, for
their wonderful care of our momma, donations may be made to Hospice of the Wabash Valley or the
charity of your choice.
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