Laura Jo Bobo Gilliam

Laura Jo Bobo Gilliam, age 72, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019 following an extended illness.

Laura was born on January 12, 1947, in Columbia, to Rufus P. and Bonnie Loucille Prince Bobo. When Laura Jo Bobo was just 17 years old, she met a young man who was to become the love of her life, Monty Gilliam. They shared many things in common, among them their faith, singing, love of family and most of all their love for each other. They married on May 24, 1970, and served the Lord together all the days of their lives. Laure loved going to Gatlinburg, where she and Monty spent their honeymoon. Together, they celebrated their anniversary there every year, until Monty’s passing on June 25, 2015.

Laura worked in the insurance industry as a secretary, having worked at National Life and Accident and American General Life Insurance Company. She was a loving sister, and a devoted daughter, having helped take care of her father in his final years. She loved helping with her father’s Army reunion each year. She loved Southern Gospel music, and going to the Southern Gospel Convention each year. Additionally, she loved serving the Lord at her church, C1 (formerly First Assembly of God). She worked as a Sunday School teacher, a Royal Ranger leader and in the nursery. She had a special friend, Jase Moss, whom she called her “boyfriend”, but who was actually like a grandson to her. They enjoyed going to lunch together, playing games, and being together. He was a great blessing to her and brought her much joy.

Laura is survived by her siblings: Barbara Tosh and Eddie (Eugenia) Bobo, both of Columbia; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and 1 great-great niece and 1 great-great nephew; sister-in-law: Becky Bobo; and adopted grandson “Boyfriend”: Jase Brody Moss. She was preceded in death by her parents: Rufus Bobo and Bonnie Bobo; her beloved husband: Monty Gilliam; and brothers: Randy Bobo and Roger Bobo.

A memorial service to Celebrate Laura’s life will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Matthew King officiating and a reading by Eddie Bobo. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday, February 6 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Private entombment will be held at a later date at Polk Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Honorary pallbearers are member of C1 Columbia; and especially her dedicated and special friends: Mike and Cindy King and James and Linda Davis.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements and condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .