Delores Brown Gilliam-Barrett, 86, passed away on June 10, 2023, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, and friend to many. She was truly a kind and gentle spirit, always encouraging, proud of all her children and her faith was strong as she persevered through many hard things in her life, with grace and dignity. We loved her so much and will miss her. She was born on December 13, 1936, in Chewelah, Washington to Frances & Walter Brown. She had one older brother that she deeply loved and adored, Eugene Brown. He passed away in 2011. She grew up in Chewelah and graduated from Kennewick High School in 1954. After graduation she followed her brother over Snoqualmie pass to start school at the University of Washington. Soon after arriving in the Seattle area, she met and married Larry Gilliam in August of 1960. They had 3 children, Dana (Kevin), Tom (Karen) and Brian. She completed her college education at Pacific Lutheran University and taught school until she retired from the Sumner School District in 1993. After Larry passed away in 1994, she met and married Rich Barrett. They spent their retirement years traveling in their beloved “Rig” visiting their children and grandchildren. They were very active in their church; Elim EFC and she was known there as the Grandma of the church. Delores loved to paint and sketch. She sold her watercolors to various local coffee shops around the Puyallup area. Delores was preceded in death by her first husband Larry Gilliam, second husband, Rich Barrett, and son, Brian Gilliam She is survived by her two children, Dana Shumake, Tom Gilliam, 6 bonus children, grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and several beloved friends.

Graveside services will be held at Sumner City Cemetery on June 20, 2023, 12324 Valley Avenue Puyallup, WA at 10 a.m. Celebration of Life at 4:30 p.m. at Elim EFC, 9421 128th Street East, Puyallup, WA. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to The Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County, 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.