Nell Broadway Gilliam, 95, former longtime resident of Columbia and retired co-owner and operator of Gilliam Bros. Grocery, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at The Arbors at Willow Springs in Spring Hill.
Nell was born on February 25, 1929 in Elkton, Tennessee to the late Allie Broadway and the late Ellis Wilburn Broadway.
She played basketball during her school years and graduated from Elkton High School in 1949. On June 6, 1952 she married Thomas Leon Gilliam and he preceded her in death on September 23, 2001.
She worked for Tennessee Knitting Mills for 23 years and retired from General Electric after 23 years of service. Nell was a member of Graymere church of Christ where she was a member of the Auditorium Sunday School Class.
Survivors include her niece Sheila Smith Swayze and her husband Rick of Thompsons’ Station; great nephews and niece, Brandon (Ashley) Swayze, Chase (Madison) Swayze and Brittany Swayze (fiance Jonathan Felix); great-great niece and nephew, Ryan Swayze and Taylor Swayze; additional niece and nephews, Gwen Martin, Tommy Ray Pope, Jackie Case, Mike Case, and Jerry Case.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters; Ruby McJunkin, Lessie Pope, Bessie Case, Gladys Broadway, and Betty Smith; a brother, Grady Broadway.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Jeff Swayze and Rick Swayze officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Pallbearers will be her nephews, Tommy Ray Pope, Jackie Case, Mike Case, Jerry Case, Rick Swayze, Brandon Swayze, and Chase Swayze.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Willow Springs and The Arbors for their care and love. Nell brought joy to all who met her. Her love for her family and friends will be missed.
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