Janice Gillum

(From Parker Mortuary)

Janice C. Gillum, age 83, of Kirksville, formerly of Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Kirksville, MO.

Janice, daughter of the late Romane and Mildred Benjalou “Benji” (Cathell) Boyd, was born on February 24, 1941, in Kirksville.

She found her soulmate in John Gillum, and they were united in marriage on November 20, 2003, in Eureka Springs, AR. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, from the thrill of motorcycle rides to the fellowship within the Corvette Club of Kirksville.

Janice made the world a more beautiful place with her impeccable sense of style. She previously was employed with Macy’s Department Store, this allowed Janice to connect with people while sharing her flair for fashion. Above all else, Janice cherished her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Shopping trips with them were not merely errands but treasured moments, opportunities to pass on her sense of style and to delight in their company. At Beaver Lake in Arkansas and Table Rock Lake in Missouri, is where Janice and her family created cherished memories. The way Janice could cook a camp breakfast was the highlight of many lake gatherings. Janice's passing leaves behind a legacy of love and traditions that will be missed greatly.

Survivors include her husband, John Gillum, of Kirksville; daughter-in-law, Paula Webb, of Joplin; grandchildren, Whitney Erin DuRall, and her husband, Aaron, of Ridgewood, NY, and Lauren Forste, and her husband, Jake, of Cassville, MO; one great-grandchild, Ella Forste; one brother, David Boyd, and his wife, Sharon, of Joplin; one sister-in-law, Silvianna Boyd, of Joplin; niece, Liberty Boyer, of Laramie, WY; nephew, Dylan Boyd, of Tulsa; and numerous loved extended family members. In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by one brother, William “Bill” Boyd; and her only beloved child, Kelley Paul Webb in 2021.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin or Kirksville Humane Society in memory of Janice and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.