Charlyne Gilliam

Charlyne Douglas Gilliam of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, peacefully passed away early morning on May 20, 2022, surrounded by family. Memaw, as she was affectionately known by many, was born on July 22, 1933, in Russellville, Kentucky. She graduated from Russellville High School and married Paul Garland Gilliam on June 21, 1951. They were the proud parents of four children, Theresa Ann, Paul Douglas, Robert Stevens, and Mary Frances, all of whom claim to be the “favorite” child.

As a young mother of two, Charlyne commuted to Nashville for a year to attend medical technology school at the Southern Academy of Clinical Technology at West End Laboratories, located on West End Avenue. She became a licensed medical technologist, and in 1957, Charlyne and Paul moved their growing family to the Nashville area. Charlyne enjoyed a long career as a histotechnologist at the Middle Tennessee Tuberculosis Hospital, Parkview Hospital, Nashville Veteran Affairs Medical Center, and Baptist Hospital, before retiring in 1985.

Charlyne was a long-time member of Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in Goodlettsville. She was an avid bridge player, a voracious reader, and a skilled crossword puzzle solver. But more than anything, Charlyne adored her role as “Memaw” and never passed up an opportunity to brag on her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charlyne was preceded in death by her husband, parents Alfonzo and Mary Frances Douglas, sister Jacquelyne Cornelius, and brother Leon Douglas. She is survived by her children, Theresa (Jim) Regensburger, Paul Douglas (Karen) Gilliam, Robbie (Bernie) Gilliam, and Mary Feulner; her eight grandchildren, Christine Gilliam, Amy (Bradford) Worrell Sterling, Seth (Lorie) Gilliam, Lindsey (David) Elston, Zachary (Janae) Gilliam, Nicholas Feulner, Keri (Jeremy) Wiss, and Chase Feulner; and her ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, 127 North Main Street, Goodlettsville, on Monday, May 23rd, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Tuesday, May 24th, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service at Cole & Garrett will follow visitation on Tuesday, May 24th, at 11:00 a.m., and the graveside service will take place also on May 24th at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville, Kentucky. Donations may be made to Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.