Mrs. Mary Yvonne Gilling

Mrs. Mary Gilling was born to Mr. Othneil and Dorris Vernoll in the district of Mt. Pleasant, Jamaica on October 6, 1958. After graduating from Garlogie Primary School, she attended Porus Secondary School where she was a diligent student who pursued a teaching career after graduation. She studied at Church Teacher’s College where she acquired her teaching certificate in 1980, and ten years later, her teaching diploma from St Joseph’s Teacher’s College. Teaching became and remained a passion of hers, and she was able to help instruct the minds of many over her more than three decades in the profession, both in Jamaica and in the States. In 1982, she met and married Roy Gilling. Together, they brought two sons into the world – Leighton and Davion. She was a graceful and wonderful mother and wife, and a loving and God- fearing woman. She never ceased to pray and read her Bible throughout the day. The Gilling family immigrated to the States in August 1998, initially living in Florida, where Mary worked as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) until she returned to the classroom as a teacher at Royal Palm Beach High School. She earned her BSC at Nova Southern University in 2002 and became a full-time faculty member soon thereafter. In 2006, the family moved to Georgia, where she joined the Shiloh High School staff. She didn’t stop there, as she later earned her Master’s degree from Walden University in 2009. She remained an accomplished and distinguished educator, excellence being her standard for both herself and her students. Her character was exemplary and she served as an inspiration to students, faculty, friends and family alike. Mary was an outstanding leader and mentor to anyone who sought out her company, but also displayed humility and kindness, no matter the circumstances. Although she has physically passed on, her legacy will live on forever through her family and loved ones. She is survived by her husband Roy, sons Leighton and Davion, step sons Loren and Neil, mother Dorris, and father Othneil. She is also remembered by her siblings Ruth, Claudette, Pauline, Gowie, Larry, many nieces and nephews, and extended family. May her soul rest in peace and may her soul be perpetually bathed in the light with which she lived while here with us.

Tributes

Mrs. Mary Yvonne Gilling

October 6, 1958 - July 4, 2015