JoAnn Gilliam, 70, of Cincinnati, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2015, at her residence. Born November 15, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Almon Sims, Sr., and Lois Sims. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her baby sister, Pearline Smith. JoAnn was the second of four children, and she grew up in the West End of Cincinnati. She attended Sands Montessori and Lafayette Bloom Middle School. She graduated from Taft High School in 1964. She accepted Christ at the age of nine, at Peace Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Joseph Hudson. As an adult, JoAnn joined New Life Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Senior Usher Board. She was also on the Church Anniversary Committee where she specialized in creating Souvenir Books. In Jue of 1963, JoAnn was joined in Holy Matrimony to David Gilliam. To this union, four children were born. JoAnn was employed by Kenner Toys for twenty-one years until its closing. After working for the Cincinnati Enquirer for twenty-one years, she retired in 2008. JoAnn loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She often traveled to Los Angeles and Chicago to visit her children and grandchildren, as well as down south every fourth Sunday in Agust to visit her cousins for her family reunion. JoAnn was affectionately called Grandma Jo. She had a special love for her grandchildren, both individually and collectively. She had a special bond with each of them. She leaves to cherish her memory: four children, Anthony (Arra) Gilliam of Illinois, Aaron Gilliam, Alan (Joell) Gilliam of California, and Angela (Jerry) Butler. Nine grandchildren: Amber Murray, Adrianne Steele, Darius Butler, JoAnn Gilliam, Jacob Gilliam, Hunter Gilliam, Harrison Gilliam, Darren Butler, and Hayden Gilliam. Five great-grandchildren: Andrielle White, Arian Wite, Austin Murray, Andreais White, and Angelique Murray. Two siblings: Almon (Mary) Sims, Jr., and Emma Johnson. Uncle George (Gloria) Randolph and Aunt Eleanore Calloway, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Aunt Emma Johnson and Willa Booth for their compassionate care. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the New Life Baptist Church, 6434 Simpson Avenue (45224). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation and will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment is in Spring Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers: Anthony Gilliam, Aaron Gilliam, Alan Gilliam, Jerry Butler, Terrance Smith, Kedrinn Williams, Darius Butler. Flower Bearers: Amber Murray, Adrianne Steele, Kimberly Johnson, Caroline Sims, Tamara Smith, Erin Williams, Tia Smith, Willa Booth. You may express online condolences at www.HerbWalker.com. Walker Funeral Home is serving the Gilliam family.

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