Tributes

Glenda Lee (Boren) Gilleland-Harrell was born on September 23, 1949. Her purpose on earth was to be mother and Nanna to anyone and everyone. Glenda graduated from Alton High School in Alton Illinois in 1968 with intentions of becoming Nurse. However, life stepped in the way to remind her of her purpose when she met the love of her life. Glenda and Modoc were married August 29th, 1969. In the blink of an eye, they were parents to 4 beautiful children. Years past and paths changed, but those 2 still loved each other. So deserving of love, she found Charley. Glenda and Charley Harrell were married April 5, 1997. Modoc went to live with our Lord March 28, 1999, and Charley followed October 15, 2010. Glenda was a strong, resilient, giving, forgiving and beautiful soul. Her life revolved around her children. They were the light of her life. She was Momma G to many of her kids' friends and then some. Later when God blessed her with grandchildren and great grandchildren, she knew her purpose was fulfilled. Nanna became her name to everyone she met. Even the hospital staff called her Nanna. Glenda loved Jesus. She was strong in her faith and taught her children and grandchildren to be the same. There is no doubt that Heaven heard her singing “You are my sunshine” as she entered the gates. Glenda wore many hats. She was a fire fighter, jailer, dog catcher, nursing assistant, school janitor, and many more, but her mission work involved feeding the less fortunate. There wasn’t a sacrifice she didn’t surrender to put others before herself. If she wasn’t playing superhero by spoiling a grandchild, she was up for fishing any day of the week. She had a heart of gold. Glenda will be missed by so many and her legacy as "The Best Darn Nanna” will carry on through generations. She is survived by 2 daughters: Dorothy Ray (son in law, Jimmy); & Tommie Allen (son in law, Phillip), and 2 sons: Ronnie Gilleland; & Larry Gilleland (daughter in law, Monica), 8 grandsons: Broc Ray, Bryce Gilleland (granddaughter in law, Melissa), Daden Allen, Beau Ray, Brig Ray, & Thomas Gilleland , Chris Lester, & Nick Lester; 4 granddaughters: Taryn Joyner ( grandson in law, Jesse), Mackenzi Edens ( grandson in law, Brett), Bryndee Ray, & Allie Gilleland, 7 great grandchildren: Stagger Gilleland, Sadie Gilleland, Jericho Ray, Zeke Edens, Kenzlea Edens, Indie Gilleland, Jensen Joyner, and Baby Edens on the way; 2 sisters, Barbara Crossman (brother in law, Tony), & Kathy Parrent; Sister in law: Ruth Wigham , and her fur babies: Zoe & Ginger.

Tributes

Glenda Lee (Boren) Gilleland-Harrell

September 23, 1949 - December 8, 2025