Heather Angel (Palmer) Gillum

Obituary

Heather Angel (Palmer) Gillum, 74, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on November 18, 2012, at 11:10 AM.   Heather was born on March 3, 1938, in Lewknor, Oxfordshire, England.  She married James D. Gillum on July 23, 1960, while he was stationed in England with the United States Air Force.  Together they travelled the world, moving more than 15 times before moving to Overland Park.  Heather loved travelling, going on cruises, and being with family and friends.  She took great pride in her British heritage and was a member of the Daughters of the British Empire, once serving as Regent for her chapter.

Heather was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley John and Gladys Millicent Palmer, her half-brother Ronald Aldridge, and her brother Robert Palmer.  She leaves behind her adoring husband, James, of the home; daughter Sandra Gillum of Melissa, Texas, and son Terry; daughter Diane Morrison (husband Douglas) of Palm Harbor, Florida, and son Eric and daughter Caroline; son John Gillum (wife Kimberly) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and daughters Katherine, Elizabeth, and Emily; and son James P. Gillum of Little Rock, Arkansas.  She also leaves behind brother William Palmer (wife Jennifer) of Mursley, England; sister Ann Cann (husband Geoffrey) of Flackwell Heath, England; brother Andrew Palmer (wife Sylvia) of Horsleys Green, England; and sister Jillian Plumridge (husband Robin) of West Wycombe, England

Heather battled ovarian cancer for one and a half years with bravery and courage.  She never complained and was positive right to the end.  Her loving ways, generosity, will to win, optimism, love of adventure, and love of life were wonderful examples for her family and others to follow.  The world is a better place for her having been in it.  She will be sorely missed by her family and her scores of friends, all of whom loved her dearly.

Services will be held at the Wesley Chapel of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas 66224 at 11:00 AM on November 29, 2012, with a reception following.  Burial will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the University of Kansas Cancer Center Kansas University Endowment 3903 Rainbow Blvd  Kansas City, KS  66160 or Daughters of the British Empire at 98825 Belinder Rd  Leawood, KS  66206.  Arr:  Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Rd.  KCMO  64114   816-214-5174  www.cathyb6.sg-host.com

Published in Kansas City Star on November 25, 2012