Shirley May Gillisse

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.