Brenda Kay Stovall Gillison, 84, peacefully entered heaven's gates from her home in Pell City, Alabama on July 23, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in McLeansboro, Illinois on October 12, 1940 to Walter and Pauline Stovall. She moved to Fairfield, Illinois in 1951.  She met Alan Gillison (Gilly) their freshman year of high school.  After graduation, she attended the Lockyear Business School. Brenda and Gilly married in June 1959.  

His career took them to Michigan, Joliet, Illinois and then Pell City, Alabama in 1978. She worked as a secretary to many of the local Pell City attorneys and judges doing real estate closings and transactions.  

Her love of people and entertaining led to many of her children's and grandchildren's friends affectionately calling her Mama Gilly or Grandma.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pell City for over 45 years.  She served for many years as the cook for Wednesday night dinners and even travelled with the youth group as their cook. There was always enough room at the table and food for everyone to share, even when unexpected guests showed up.  Her greatest joy was having her children,grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives visit her and Grandpa.

She is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Pauline Stovall, in-laws, Dellous and Geraldine Gillison, daughter in law Toni Gillison, sister Judith Black, brother in law Dr. Donald Gillison and his wife Linda, brother in laws John Dilges and William Grogan.  

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Dellous "Alan" Gillison; children, Kathy Gillison-Parker (Bryan), Melvin (Cynthia), J.D, and Kim Lowe (Blake);  grandchildren Steven Gillison (Stephanie), Matthew Gillison, Gavin Gillison (Bethany), Jennifer Clough (Chris), Brittany Gillison, Noah Parker and Jack Lowe (Coral Church);  great grandchildren  James Gillison, Blair Gillison, Garner Gillison, Baylor Gillison, Blakelee Gillison, Trenton Clough, Marlee Speer, Holland Clough and Houston Ripp Clough, sister, Beverly Dilges, brother, Jim (Sue), and sister in law Dorothy Grogan as well and many nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Lakeside Hospice and Caring Hands of Mercy for their wonderful care and support during her brief illness.  

Funeral services will be held at Usrey Funeral Home, 21271 US Highway 231, Pell City on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Visitation from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Scott Smith officiating the service. Burial to be immediately following the service at St. Clair Memorial Gardens.

The family welcomes floral remembrances or memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer fund (www.komen.org).

Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City is in charge of arrangements.