of Little Rock, AR
October 26, 1960 - May 9, 2017
Kerre Gilliland, 56, of Little Rock, died May 9, 2017, peacefully at home after a faith-filled and courageous battle with cancer.
She is survived by her wonderful and loving husband of 27 years, Clay; her two children, Guy and Taylor, who were the most important part of her life; her heart and sister, Torre (Tony) Tortorich; her sister-in-law, Chandler (Philip) Doss, and her brother-in-law, John Campbell Gilliland. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Austin, Ally (Justin), Morgan, Jake, Carson, Chase, and Alicia; her beloved friend and care taker, Angela Denton, countless amazing friends; and her four-legged loves Abbey, Boo, and Ellie Mae. Kerre is preceded in death by her parents.
Her devotion to her family and friends and her genuine zest for life and laughter are unmatched. She was happiest on the tennis court and doing charity work with the Hope Lodge and the Humane Society. Throughout her illness, Kerre always said ''I'm not mad, this is my journey'' with a smile. She fought with such grace, courage, and dignity. She will be missed beyond measure, but solace is found in knowing that she is with our Lord, where she will be dealt a winning hand every time.
Visitation is scheduled for 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2017 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501) 224-8300. A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2017 at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive., Little Rock, Arkansas 72212. A reception will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pulaski County Humane Society, www.warmhearts.org, or the 20th Century Club of Little Rock (Hope Lodge), www.hopeawayfromhome.org.
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34 Condolence(s)
Mary Ann
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
With my deepest sympathy to the family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Isaiah 25:8
Chris and Jerene Guidry
Friday, May 12, 2017
Clay.
Jerke and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We will keep you in our daily prayers.
Lorrie and JL Fisk
Friday, May 12, 2017
There are no words that can express what a huge hole we have in our hearts from the loss of our dear sweet Kerre. She touched us, like so many, with her laugh, whit, and generoisity and ultimate kindness. Ours hearts and prayers go out to our friend Clay, her children: Taylor and Guy and sister, Torre along with anyone else who knew her. Kerre was a true gift from God.
Warmest Personal Regards,
Tolson Family
Friday, May 12, 2017
Clay, Taylor, Guy & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, Kerre was a wonderful person loved animals always smiling and will be missed.
Juddy, Barbara, Ellise & Ches
Levon James
Friday, May 12, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Crystal and Tom Baird
Friday, May 12, 2017
We considered Kerre part of our family. We all loved her very much and our hearts go out to her amazing husband, Clay, their wonderful children, Taylor and Guy; as well as her sister Torre, and others too numerous to mention. She will live on in our hearts, we have so many delightful memories of times spent together. Kerre was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was devoted, loyal, honest, generous, loving, and had a tremendous sense of humor. She was and continues to be "a big deal" to us❤️❤️❤️❤️! Words cannot express how much she will be missed by the Baird family.
Allison Holthoff
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Clay, Taylor, Guy & Family-
I was so sad to hear of Kerre's passing. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Clay Bolton
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Dear Clay,
I was very saddened to learn of Kerre's passing. I know her battle with this insidious disease was a cruel and difficult one. The only real solace is that her spirit and courage set a wonderful example for all; certainly her faith has led her to a honored place in our Lord's eternal kingdom.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May you all know and feel God's strength, grace and peace.
Rhonda and Harry Dunavant
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Clay, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Binnie Owings
Thursday, May 11, 2017
I met Kerre playing tennis. I loved her personality, and loved her determination on the singles court. She never gave up and when I knew her... she never lost! Kerre was really just a good person all around. I'm so sorry she's gone. My condolences to her family.
Diana Duncan
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Kerre's smile will always be remembered!
May her family and friends sorrow merely be a shadow that fades in the sunlight of love of family and friends.
Arlene Gladfelter Blann
Thursday, May 11, 2017
So sorry to hear of Kerrie's passing. May your wonderful memories keep you til you meet again. She was a light in this world!
Leslie Collins
Thursday, May 11, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. Through tennis is how I met Kerre. Her outlook was always positive with a smile on her face. Praying for all of you.
Steve Padberg
Thursday, May 11, 2017
So sorry for your loss, Clay. Thoughts and prayers offered for you and your family.
Melody Lile
Thursday, May 11, 2017
So sorry for your loss! Prayers to your family!!ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
John Agnew
Thursday, May 11, 2017
My prayers are with you Clay and your family I'm so sorry for your loss
Cathy Harville
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Joanna Tucker
Thursday, May 11, 2017
To Clay, Taylor, and all Family,
I met Kerre years ago when we were both pregnant with our daughters (my daughter is Stephanie Hummel).
Kerre and I hit it off immediately, and even had "play-dates" with Taylor & Stephanie when they both wore super young & HUGE hair bows! Kerre and I laughed years later at how big those bows were!
She was a JOY to be around, and her memory will live on.
May God bless you all with peace and love knowing she lives in eternal happiness.
Sincerely,
Joanna Tucker
Lori Montgomery
Thursday, May 11, 2017
My daily prayers for Kerre and her family will continue with prayers for the Lord to wrap a blanket of comfort and peace around all of her family as you go through the coming days and weeks. May the memories of her and her life well-lived bring smiles to your face in this difficult time.
Stacey and Steven jones
Thursday, May 11, 2017
I thank God that he shared Kerre with Us and continues to bless us with Clay. I selfishly want her here, but I know she is in a wonderful place with no pain, and God needed her to join his angels who are laughing with Kerre. She made us all laugh and was always positive. This is a virtue, and I compare her to the modern day "Joan of Arc" God Bless and prayers love stacey and Steven
Debbie and Keith Bennett
Thursday, May 11, 2017
We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Guilliland family and to all of her dearest friends who loved her deeply. She handled her illness like no other we have ever seen! What a great lady!
DW
Thursday, May 11, 2017
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" ( 3) Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, (4 ) who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
Mary Twedt Cantrell
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Dear Torre, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kerre was an angel on earth, May her memory be eternal.
Jana Wood
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Sweet Kerre, you will always be Biddie to me. I am so grateful that you found an enduring love for your life. I am grateful for the children who were blessed to know you as a mom. I will never forget the day Guy was born. Your love and laughter and strength and compassion will never be forgotten. The world was a better place because you were here. Your legacy will be carried on by all those who knew you and loved you.
Lisa Crossland Archer
Thursday, May 11, 2017
She made this world a brighter and happier place....from the time we met in 6th grade through high school we were the best of buds. We laughed, we danced, we cheered, we snuck out the car to cruise McDonald's and more. We had a lot of fun......she was the best! Grateful to have known her and hoping you feel the joy she brought to us all. My heartfelt sympathy to Clay, Guy, Taylor and to her sister Torre and the rest of the family.
Michele LaMonica Shirey
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Torre: I am so sorry for your loss... heart and prayers are with you
Michele
Leslie P. Thompson
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Our condolences and prayers to the family.
Leslie, Heather, & Ashley Thompson
Robin Jones
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. So very sorry for your loss. Blessings to you all!
Jim & Pam Travaille
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Clay -
We extend our Christian sympathy to your family. We pray in the next few days you can gather as a family and celebrate the love and life of Kerre. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and grant you peace and strength during this difficult time.
Robbin and Wyatt Miller
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to Guy and the Gilliland family.
Cathy Lee
Thursday, May 11, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kerre will be deeply missed.
She fought a courageous battle and with great spirit.
Sam, Cindy, C.W., and Jordan
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Kerre was special! Our hearts are with you.
Ken & Dianne Hart
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Clay, Guy & Taylor,
Please know we love you all and are praying for your well being, as well as Kerre's eternal peace.
We mourn with you and hope that you can find God's healing love in the midst of this tragic time in your lives.
Kenny & Dianne
Ronnie Cates
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
May our Lord bless and comfort you all and your families during this time of grief. Kerre was a dear friend and I will keep our memories in my heart forever. Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time.