Shirley May Gillisse

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Shirley May Gillisse, age 87, whose only comfort in life and in death is that she belongs body and soul, to her faithful Savior Jesus Christ.  Jesus came to take Shirley home on Monday, August 13, 2018.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Leestma and Gordon Gillisse; sister, Marge Boersma; brother, Jerry Dieterman.  She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Judy and Al Luke, Michael and Sheryl Leestma, Bob and Bev Leestma, Sue and Bill Kamstra, Tom and Fran Leestma, Amy and Ryan Cunningham; step-children: Doug and Karen Gillisse, Chris and Jim Hoekwater, Paul and Jan Gillisse; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Bert Boersma, Lois Dieterman, Herm Leestma, Jess Oppewal, Ann Piersma; many nieces and nephews.  A private burial will be held at Blain Cemetery.  A celebration of Shirley’s life will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at Brookside Christian Reformed Church, (3600 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood), where she was a founding member.    Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood and also an hour prior to the service at the church.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Brookside Benevolence Fund.

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August 20, 2018 9:57am
Our sympathy to you. Phil is a cousin of Janice Dornbush and she talked about Shirl often. Janice is under Hospice Care now. She did talk about Shirl's last visit which was very much appreciated.

- Phil & Joanie Baker

August 17, 2018 4:39pm
Shirley as such a gracious lady. Even though the last Dieterman Family Reunion was a long time ago, we remember sitting with Shirley and sharing. Until that Great Reunion Day, may God wrap his loving arms around the family.

- Evan and Shirley Cuperus

August 17, 2018 4:44am
Shirley was such a beautiful person inside n out. i loved talking to her. she will be missed. but she is in a much nicer place. our sympathy n prayers to your family. may God bless you all. Gene n Nancy Heffner

- gene n nancy heffner

August 16, 2018 5:29pm
What a blessing Shirley was to all who knew her. I worked with her on the reunions of our class at Christian High for our 45th, 50th, 55th, and 60th reunions. Her dedication and sense of humor helped to make all of them successful! We haven't lost her. We know where she is. She is safe in the arms of Jesus her Savior. Blessings on you as you think of heaven and home. Lavina CHS '48

- Lavina HOOGEVEEN




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