Nedra J. Gillum

Nedra J. “Nee Nee” Gillum, 95, of Connersville, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, September 13, 2017, at her residence. Nedra was born October 3, 1921 to Clarence Albert and Jessie Blanche Hayward Ervin and was a graduate of Connersville High School. On December 7, 1940, she was married in Augusta, Kentucky to Keith L. “Casey” Gillum, who died June 3, 1995. Nedra had been a member of Central Christian Church since 1956 and was a member of Friends of the Library and Historic Connersville, Inc. She loved history and learning facts about Fayette County. Nedra enjoyed oil painting and was a member of the Whitewater Valley Art Association. Many of her paintings are displayed in businesses throughout Connersville. Nedra had been employed at J.C. Penney for 28 years, retiring in 1984. After retirement, she enjoyed reading, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, playing Sequence with friends and spending time with family and friends. Nedra is survived by her children and their spouses: Patricia Gillum Zanka and John of South Bend, Ronald Gillum and Marsha of Connersville; four grandchildren and their spouses: Ronda Gillum Scott and her fiancé. Jeff Hall; Tonya Gillum Geise and,Chris, all of Connersville; Michael Swihart and Kate of Wheaton, Illinois; Jessanna Swihart Mitchell and Jayme of Walkerton, Indiana; six great-grandchildren: Drake Weaver and his wife, Taylor, Rachel and Ethan Swihart, Kaylee Geise, Stellen Scott, Emeline Mitchell; several nieces, nephews and her special friend, Darlene Wells who provided love and excellent care for her during her final years. In addition to her parents and her husband of over 54 years, Nedra was preceded in death by two brothers: Malcolm and Jerry Ervin; and her sister: Joleen Cheatham. Memorial services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Vonda Bishop officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday where memorial contributions may be made to the Whitewater Valley Art Association, 402 Central Avenue, Connersville, IN 47331. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.