Maria Alaina Gillis

Maria Alaina Gillis, 81, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness Saturday, August 3, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Maria was born July 26, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Melvin Karg and MaryAnn Cone.

Maria married Steve Gillis on September 1, 1973 at Fort Meade, Maryland.

She spent her childhood years in Ohio, Illinois, California, and Wisconsin. After high school she worked for the Department of Defense in Korea, Washington D.C. and Vietnam. She attended Penn State University, Monroeville Campus and received an associate’s degree in accounting. In 1983 Maria and Steve adopted twin daughters and she became a stay-at-home mom until the girls were in high school. Maria sold real estate and was a Mary Kay cosmetics rep.

Maria loved people and even in illness she put others first and was quick to prepare a meal for someone who was ill or had lost a loved one. She loved being with family and her church life group family and friends.

She is survived by Steve; daughters, Andrea (Ryan) Sheets, Alicia (Bryan) Burton; grandchildren, Camden Thompson, Sophie Sheets, Evan and Grace Burton; sister, Karen Miller; brother, Melvin Karg; nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law, Jerry Miller and sister-in-law, Nancy Karg.

Memorial Service will be held at Central Baptist Church on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with visitation at 12:00 pm and service following at 1:00 pm