Windy with strong thunderstorms likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 63F. Winds SSE at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..
Tonight
Windy with strong thunderstorms likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 63F. Winds SSE at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Lillian Mae (nee Bailey) Gatlin, 88, passed away in Grand Prairie, Texas, surrounded by her grandchildren. Born in the Fish Community of Cooke County on March 24, 1935, Lillian was the daughter of Richard Henry and Rose Lee (Carlyle) Bailey.
Lillian graduated from Electra High School and went on to attend college. She got married and of that union a daughter, Vivian, was born. Lillian worked at a sewing factory in Denton just off Interstate Highway 35 until they closed their doors in 1987. At that time, she went to work for Burrus IGA grocery store in Sanger until they sold it in 2003, and continued working for the new owner and what became Super Save. Super Save eventually sold to Homeland, and Lillian worked until mid-year 2020, shortly before the store was torn down in April of 2021.
Known to many as “Miss Lillan”, you would always find a line behind her check stand waiting so she could check their groceries. She was loved by many of her customers because she took the time to get to know them personally and check on their families.
Lillian and her daughter Vivian were best friends. She was a loving grandmother to Terry and Samantha and the great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Granny.” Lillian was a humble and kind woman with a “bit of sass.” She will be deeply missed.
Preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter Vivian Grooms, sister, Annie Smith, and three brothers, William Bailey, Melvin Bailey, and Walter Bailey. Remaining to cherish her memory are her sisters, Rosa Ruby of Krum, Louise Barron of Gainesville; grandchildren, Terry Forrest of Sanger and Samantha Garza of Grand Prairie, and great-grandchildren, Apryl Forrest, Madelyn Garza, and Emerson Garza. Many nieces and nephews survived her also. Last but certainly not least is her faithful canine companion, Charlie.
A visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Coker Funeral Home in Sanger. Funeral services are at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Historical Presbyterian Church, located at 403 North 7th Street in Sanger. Pastor Jerry Steger will officiate the service.
Services are under the direction of Coker Funeral Home in Sanger. Please offer your condolences or share a memory with the Gatlin Family at www.cokerfuneralhome.com.
