Josephine Hart Simrall Gilliland, 1919 – 2019

Josephine Hart Simrall Gilliland passed away Monday, Dec. 30, 2019 at River Region Medical Center.

Mrs. Gilliland was born Dec. 8, 1919, at Ballground Plantation, Redwood, Miss., to Bell Newell Simrall Sr. and Bessie Edwards Simrall. Her mother died when she was 5 years old, so she spent her school years in Belzoni, Miss., with her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Edwards; only to return home for summers and holidays. Many fun times were spent at Ballground enjoying the country life. Josephine received a bachelor’s degree from Belhaven College in 1941 and continued her education at the University of Tennessee and Mississippi State University.

In 1945 Josephine met World War II veteran, Harry Hunt Gilliland Sr., of Cleveland, Miss. The two were married at her Ballground family home. The union lasted until his death 47 years later in Vicksburg, Miss. Two children, Harry Jr. and Rosalie helped complete many happy years with family and friends, including 25 years in the Vicksburg Public School System.

Josephine always gave her time to her home, family and friends; and community, serving where there was a need. She was active at Hawkins Methodist Church before joining Crawford Street United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Senior Sunday School Class, Women’s Division and XYZ. Her local club work included Retired Teacher’s Association of Vicksburg, American Association of University Women, First Families of Mississippi, Daughters of the American Revolution, Redwood Homemakers and Magnolia Garden Club; holding offices in each organization. Josephine made many lifelong friendships in these clubs.

She is survived by son, Harry Hunt Gilliland Jr. (Jenifer) and daughter, Rosalie Simrall Gilliland Theobald. Also survived by Harry’s children Hunt Klaus Gilliland (Lindsey) and Gareth Gilliland Lampkin (Randy), Rosalie’s children John Thomas Theobald, Richard Hunt “Beau” Theobald and Joseph Edwards Theobald (Nikki). Great grandchildren are Riley Dean Lampkin, Gray Thomas Lampkin, Lachlan Klaus Lampkin, Joseph Cameron Theobald, Emma Nicole Theobald, Dustin Louis Theobald, William Hunt Gilliland and Samuel Phillips Gilliland; sister Will Mary Simrall Pratt, children James E. Pratt, Jr., Mary Jo Pratt Van Zandt, Sally Pratt Harris and grandnephew Bell Newell Simrall IV (Sweyn).

At the time of her death, Josephine was residing at Legacy (formally Olive Branch) Nursing Home in Tallulah, La. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Helen Cooper for being Mama Jo’s dear sweet roommate who was such a loving friend and guardian angel.

Preceded in death by her husband, Harry Hunt Gilliland, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Robert Lafayette Edwards and wife Josie Hart Edwards, and second wife Emily Edwards; paternal grandparents, Bell Newell Simrall & wife, Sue Lum Simrall; father Bell Newell Simrall, Sr.; wife Bessie Simrall & step-mother Mary Barber Gorman Simrall; brother Newell Simrall, Jr. (Calista), sister Bessie Annette Simrall and step-brother James E. Gorman, Sr. (Mary); step-aunt & best friend Jennie Barber Witty and her surviving sons Robert (Sally), John (Susan) and Frank (Mary Ann).

Graveside services under the direction of Riles Funeral Home were held Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. with her special grandnephew, Newell Simrall, IV, giving the heart-felt eulogy, and hymns were sung by a dear friend, Sharon Penley.

Memorials may be made to Crawford Street United Methodist Church, 900 Crawford Street Vicksburg, MS 39180 or a charity of your choice.