Bobbie Jean “Jeannie” Gill

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Bobbie Jean “Jeannie” Gill, of Jesup, Georgia who entered eternal rest on April 30, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Bobbie Jean resided at Hillside Terrace in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the last ten years.

Affectionately known as “Mema” to family and friends, she was born on March 27, 1943, in Childersburg, Alabama, the eldest daughter of James Leroy Halligan and Grace (Bullard) Halligan. She was raised in Jacksonville, Florida by Viggo and Nan Christensen until she reached her junior year in high school – that’s when she moved to Waycross, Georgia. This is where she met the father of her children, Thomas P. Coleman, Sr.

Throughout her life, Jeannie lived in Jacksonville, Florida; Fernandina Beach, Florida; Fleming, Georgia; Jesup, Georgia; and beyond—leaving a lasting impression of love and guidance wherever she went. In 1978, in the small town of Fleming, she met her soulmate, Melvin Gill. Together, they built a home rooted in acceptance and love while raising their family.

Mema brought unwavering love into the lives of all who knew her. She was the heart of her family and a constant source of comfort. She will be remembered for her compassionate spirit and her resilience through life’s struggles. She was a fighter until the very end—one of her most endearing qualities—and a strength reflected in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her biological parents, James Leroy Halligan and Grace (Bullard) Halligan; the loving caregivers responsible for her upbringing, Viggo and Nan Christensen (“Nanma” and “Papa Vic”); her siblings, James “Everett” Halligan and Joanne Halligan Joyner; her treasured Aunt Mary; her invaluable sources of stability and comfort, Marvin & Ellen Gunter; her daughter-in-love, Gail Barnard Coleman; the father of her children, Thomas P. Coleman, Sr.; her soulmate, Melvin Gill; and her sons, Mark Coleman and Ronald Coleman, who surely welcomed their Mama into heaven with open arms.

She is survived by her children, Thomas P. (Kristy) Coleman, Jr. of Portal, Georgia; Nanya Jean (Vic) Litz of Pinckney, Michigan; and daughter-in-love, Jennie Coleman of Jacksonville, Florida. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Leah Coleman; Jessica (Richard) Neely; Trey (Darby) Litz; Sean (Amanda) Coleman; Amanda (McKinnley) Harvey; Casey Coleman; Carrie Coleman; and Austin Coleman. 

Mema will forever be loved and remembered by her most cherished gifts-her great-grandchildren: Bryson, Anora, Hayden, LeighAnn, Wyatt, Brody, Cole, Brayden, Taylor, and Harper Gail.

She is also survived by her siblings, Connie (Phil) Fletcher, Ronnie (Lucy) Bullard, and Larry (Ranee) Bullard; special nieces Susan Gunter Washburn and Angela Joyner; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though she is no longer with us, her love will continue to guide and comfort all who knew her.

A graveside service, officiated by Larry Bullard, will be held at Mt. Olivet Church Cemetery (667 Mt Olivet Church Rd, Fleming, GA 31309) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2 p.m.

There will also be a special memorial service held at Hillside Terrace Senior Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is where Mema spent the last ten years of her life and the family would love for those who knew and loved her to gather on Monday May 18, 2026 at 2pm in the Chapel. This service will be officiated by Pastor Larry of St. Andrews United Church of Christ. There will be a social following with Mema’s favorite coconut cream pie – graciously donated by her favorite restaurant Holidays.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter at (248) 351-0280.

Cremation services were entrusted to Generation Funeral and Cremation Services of Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The graveside service will be handled by Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home & Crematory of Flemington, Georgia.

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