Viola Gillean's Obituary
Mattie Viola Gillean; 100, of Tulsa, passed away Thursday, July 8th at her daughter's residence surrounded by her loving children. She was born September 9th, 1920 in Oneta, Oklahoma to Silas and Mattie Pickett. She was married to Royal Gillean for 76 years. Together they had three children. Viola owned and operated Gillean's Grocery in Berryhill. She was employed with the Tulsa County Health Department and Hissom Memorial Center as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She loved music, painting, ceramics, cooking and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren will always remember the way she made each of them feel like they were the most special person in the world by personalizing songs to fit each child. These songs have been passed down through five generations.
Viola was preceded in death by her husband Royal Gillean; parents; Silas and Mattie Pickett; two sisters Margaret Tracy and Ruby Merrill; brother Eugene Pickett and son-in-law Ron Collins. She is survived by her sons; Jerry and wife Connie Gillean; Danny and wife Louise Gillean; daughter Cheryl Collins; 6 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 12, from 4 pm - 6 pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home.
Services will take place at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, July 13 at the Floral Haven Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Mattie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mattie?
Share a story where Mattie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mattie you’ll never forget.
How did Mattie make you smile?

