Lynn Ross Gillis, 68, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Monday, August 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Satilla Baptist Church in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. James Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services in the sanctuary on Wednesday.
Mrs. Gillis was born April 25, 1957, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Kenneth and Floreece Denney Ross. A lifelong resident of Irwin County, Lynn was a graduate of Irwin County High School. She began her career working with her family at W. E. Ross & Sons, later Ross of Georgia and Ocilla Gin, Inc. After marrying Gene Gillis, the two worked side by side to build Gillis Trucking, Inc. Later, Lynn joined her sister at Jones Construction, where she retired in 2023.
Lynn shared her mother’s passion for daylilies and loved tending to her yard. She was also known as a skilled seamstress, quietly using her talents to mend torn jeans, create bridesmaid dresses, and even alter wedding gowns. She enjoyed cooking pecan pies, camping, and spending time with “the girls” over dinner. Before Gene’s untimely passing, the couple were active members of the Ocilla Jaycees, serving their community and cherishing time with friends.
Lynn will be remembered as the epitome of loyalty and devotion to her loved ones. While her support often came with honest opinions, her dedication to her family never wavered. Lynn’s legacy is one of love, strength, and commitment to family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Walter Scott and Krystal F. Carver of Ocilla; grandchildren, Payton Marissa Carver and Walter Kyle Carver; siblings, Vickie Ross Whitley of Ocilla, Allen (Donna) Ross of Broxton, and Darrell (Bobbie) Ross of Ocilla; father- and mother-in-law, Dougal and Olivia Gillis; sisters-in-law, Nora (Greg) Skinner and Rose Mary (David) Ambrose, all of Waycross; along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and her special companions, Peanut and Harley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Gillis.
Her family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of City of Hope Cancer Center, Phoebe Sumter Cancer Clinic, and Hospice of Tift Area for their care and compassion during her illness.
Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.