Alma Jean Gilliland

Alma Jean Gilliland, 76, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, surrounded by her family. She was a former educator and taught home economics at Bradley Central High School from 1959-1964. Alma Jean was known as the "Peach Lady". She and her husband, John, operated Gilliland Orchards since the early sixties. She was known as "momma" to many young adults employed in the harvesting of peaches. She was also an excellent homemaker. Her parents, Roscoe and Ruby Rollins Johnson preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, John M. Gilliland, of Cleveland; daughter, Lu Ann Carey and husband, Mike; daughter, Jane Flowers and husband Michael Flowers all of Cleveland; daughter, Lyn Dixon, husband Joseph Dixon, of Dawsonville, Ga.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Dortha Townsend, of Cleveland. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home. Michael Carey, Michael Flowers, Joseph Dixon, Daniel Epperson, Elvis Wilson and Ralph Haney will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: www.stjude.org. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Gilliland family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.