Sue Gilligan formally Sue Jewell from her first marriage (Ron) passed away peacefully in her home while under hospice care on August 24, 2023. Sue was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky on October 23,1940 and was the youngest child of the late Novice and Luke Bilbrey, also preceded in death by one grandson Chase Abanatha.
In her career years, she spent most of her time in the insurance business, being Kentucky’s Insurance Woman of the Year in 1974. She also worked in the auto glass industry as a sale manager for many years.
Married to Lawrence Gilligan for the past twenty-two years, they spent their time traveling to over thirty-five states and her favorite country, Italy.
Each time they would hit the road, she would burst into song “On the road again, gee it’s great to be on the road again”. Avoiding the interstate as much as she could, preferring country highways. She would see a little road heading up in the hills, and off we would go. She never got us lost, but many times we didn’t know where we were. She loved adventure.
Sue’s other passions included playing her French Horn during her high school years at Bowling Green High School. She stayed very close to her high school graduating class which included many road trips with the girls!! Sue was a devoted Christian and attended Living Hope Baptist Church in Bowling Green. She made a visit to Atlanta and was baptized by the late Charles Stanley.
Sue’s biggest passion and time was spent with her family which everyone called her ‘’Mimi’’. She was a great role model to her sons and all her family members. Her family first and compassion for everyone will always leave a part of her soul in each family member she touched.
Her surviving family includes husband of 22years Lawrence Gilligan, sister Gayle Borders (Fred), sons Dana Jewell (Tara) of Brentwood TN, Martin Jewell (Alice) of Lexington KY, and Stephen Jewell of Cross Plains, TN, children from Lawrence: Shawn Gilligan (Al Ramis) Tampa FL, Corinne Abanatha (Mark) Novi, Mi. Along with 6 grandchildren Brandon (Kayla), Erica (Ryan), Andrew, Bo, Alex, and Natalie, and great-grandchildren including Joslin, Harper, Haley, Zula, and Emery. Additional family members include children and grandchildren of Gayle and Fred Borders, daughter Sharon (Mike) Whaley and children Keary, Jamie (Gilbert), Sarah, Lindsay (Trey). Daughter Cinda (Warren) Reid and children Courtney (Mark), Jarret, and Alden (Ali).
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023 at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 30 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and resume Thursday, August 31 from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral hour all at the funeral home.
