Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Karla Gilliam

May 14, 2015
Saugatuck, MI

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Service

Sunday, June 14, 2015
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT
Douglas United Church of Christ
56 Wall
Dougla, MI 49406

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Sharon United Methodist Church
Box 63
Naruna, VA 24576

Wishbone Pet Rescue
Box 124
Douglas, MI 49406

Life Story / Obituary


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Karla Snider-Gilliam, aged 68, passed away peacefully on May 14 with her family at her side at Resthaven Care Center in Holland, Michigan. Born May 7, 1947 in Lynchburg, Virginia she moved with her family to Farmington, Michigan in 1948. In 1961 the family moved to Livonia, Michigan where she graduated from Bentley High School. After finishing a degree in education at Eastern Michigan University she began a long and enthusiastic career teaching at Fennville High School in Fennville, Michigan. She became a powerful and positive guide for her students and was well loved and respected. Though she had no children her students became her family and many continued friendships with her after graduating. After retiring from teaching she became certified as a fitness coach and personal trainer and enjoyed competing as a body builder. One of her favorite volunteer activities was to assist at Wishbone Pet Rescue in Douglas, Michigan. The rescue center was also a favorite source for adopting her pets, including her beloved Einstein, now living with friends. She is survived by her older sister, Karen (Snider) Berrie; loving brother-in-law, Albert Berrie; nephew, David Berrie, his wife Ginger and grandnephews Alex and Ryan Berrie; niece, Dr. Kimberly Berrie, her husband, Dennis Birecki and their children Jacob, Nyah, Cole and Levi Birecki. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvis Gilliam and her parents, Allen Snider and Dr. Christine (Ellington) Snider. Special thanks go to the staff at Resthaven Care Center in Holland, Michigan for their patient and tender care her last weeks and to the friends who visited. Please join the family for a Celebration of Her Life to be held June 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and led by Rev. Salvatore Sapienza, Pastor at Douglas United Church of Christ in Douglas, Michigan. Burial will be at Sharon United Methodist Church in Naruna, Virginia. Contributions in her honor may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church, Box 63, Naruna, Virginia, 24576 or Wishbone Pet Rescue, Box 124, Douglas, Michigan, 49406. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel.