Geraldine Gilliam (Coppersmith) Gilliam

GERALDINE (JERRI) GILLIAM 89, of Roseburg, Oregon passed away March 24, 2015 at Chantele's Memory Care in Sutherlin, Oregon. She was born April 13, 1925 in Pomona, California to Raymond and Beulah Coppersmith. Jerri graduated from Pomona High School. Her first job was at Potlatch Paper Mill. For 26 years, Jerri worked as an aircraft electrician wiring instrument panels at Lockheed (bought by Boeing), Rockwell, and General Dynamics. She also sold Avon and Tiara Crystal for several years. After moving from Palmdale, California to Roseburg, Oregon she was an active member at Roseburg Christian Fellowship. Committed to her Christian beliefs, Jerri went on missionary trips to Korea and China. A longtime dream of hers came true when she got to travel to Israel. Through volunteer work, Jerri contributed to the Roseburg community through her involvement in the Red Hat Society, Roseburg Women's Club, Roseburg Senior Center, Pink Lady at Mercy Medical Center and the S.M.A.R.T. reader program. Jerri loved making crafts and had some of her handiwork on consignment and sold them at craft fairs. Going on picnics were a real delight for Jerri, as well as listening to music, writing poetry and hosting tea parties for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include her daughters Jeanette Mattern married to Bob, and Beverly Nelson; sons Jack Gilliam and his wife Delma, Chet Gilliam and his wife Camille, and Bill Gilliam; sisters Betty Patterson and her husband Russell, and Pat Thomas; brothers Bud Coppersmith married to Geneva, and Mel Coppersmith married to Maria; sisters-in-laws Myrna Coppersmith and Holly Coppersmith; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews. Jerri was preceded in death by her parents, sister Barbara, brothers Kenny and Floyd. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Roseburg Christian Fellowship. Pastor Matt Royston will officiate. Graveside services will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Myrtle Creek, Oregon.