Alma Geraldine Gilliss, 91

MILFORD - Alma Geraldine Gilliss, formerly of Milford, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 9, 2008, in Ruxton Healthcare of Denton, Md. She was 91.

Mrs. Gilliss was born in Baltimore, the daughter of the late Russell and Ida (Jacobs) Lantz.

She was a graduate of Forest Park High School, Baltimore, where she excelled in track.

Mrs. Gilliss graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing earning her LPN accreditation and made the Dean's List at the age of 50.

She pursued her nursing career in Florida, at Easton Memorial Hospital, Easton, Md., and at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford.

She was a member of the Lighthouse Christian Center, Milford.

Mrs. Gilliss loved living on the Eastern Shore.

She loved to draw, especially lighthouses. She was quite a shell collector and after joining the Lighthouse Christian Center, she began to collect lighthouses.

Her Eastern Shore heritage even showed in her cooking, where she excelled in making the best crab cakes.

Mrs. Gilliss also was very good with her hands, showing her craftsmanship in doing needlepoint and crocheting.

Over the years, she made several afghans and made many lap blankets that she would donate to area senior centers and nursing homes.

She loved to walk and as she grew older, continued her regimen of walking 6/10's of a mile every other day up until six weeks ago.

Mrs. Gilliss was also a very devout, religious woman who loved the Lord.

She was a Sunday school teacher for many years while living in Baltimore.

She also loved to entertain people at her home.

Mrs. Gilliss was an avid reader, especially of the Bible and enjoyed holding Bible Study at her home.

She was a wonderful and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Gilliss in 1952; her husband, John Vernon Gilliss in 1989; and a sister, Katherine Louise Lantz.

She is survived by one son, Glenn Gilliss and his wife Pat of Harrington; one daughter, Wendy Gilliss of Navarre, Fla.; five grandchildren, Amanda Burrell, of Navarre, Wayne Gilliss of Pittsburgh, Amy Plump and Ashley Malandrino, both of Milford, and Andrew Gilliss of Harrington; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday.

Interment will be private in Woodlawn Cemetery, Baltimore Co., Md.