Janet Marie Verdinella Gilliam

Janet Marie Verdinella Gilliam, 80, of Lynchburg, VA, died on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was the Wife of the late Dennis Edward Gilliam for 51 years. Born September 14, 1944, in Lynchburg, Janet was a daughter of the late Theresa Verdinella.

Janet is survived by her children, James Gilliam and his wife, Sheila, and Kimberly G. Hartless and her husband, John; six grandchildren, Brice Bhalla (Kimmie), Cody MacArthur (Caitlyn), Chad Gilliam, Jacob Hartless, Nikolas Hartless, Waylon Hartless; eight great grandchildren; brothers, John Verdinella and Paul Verdinella; sister Joanne Waibel; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her mother and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Donald Verdinella. 

Janet was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. After retiring from a career in retail, Janet found joy in volunteering at the gift shop at Lynchburg General Hospital. Even as Alzheimer's disease affected her, she never lost her sense of humor or her pleasant disposition. She remained passionate about two of her favorite things: the music of Conway Twitty and the New York Yankees.

The family will receive friends during a viewing Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 4pm-6pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Church Cemetery on Monday September 30, 2024 at 1:00pm.

The family would like to thank the staff with Westminster Hospice for the care and respect provided to Janet, especially Angel, Tabitha, Amanda and Skyelar and thank you to those special few who showed Janet love and compassion at Runk & Pratt memory care. 

 In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to St Jude’s Children Hospital, Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg at www.mealsonwheelslynchburg.org or to the Lynchburg Humane Society at www.lynchburghumanesociety.org.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.