Janie Gertrude Gillis, widow of her husband of 50 years, Edward L. Gillis, died Monday, December 29, 2025.

Born Sept. 14, 1931 in Dorchester, SC, she was the last surviving child and only daughter of Arthur L. Clayton and Sunie Belle Way.

Janie was predeceased by her husband, Edward; brothers, Raymond (Blanche), Wilson (Wilma), Horace, Heyward and Howard Clayton; and nephew, Raymond Clayton, Jr.

She is survived by children, Diane Denise Brown (Bob) and Michael Steven Gillis (Cindie); grandchildren, Stephanie Gillis Besselievre (Mitch) and Justin Brown; great-grandson, Shepherd Besselievre; nephews, Ronnie Clayton (Debbie) and Jimmy Clayton (Donna); nieces, Sue Whiten and Wendy Nunnally (Phil); brother in law, Carlton Gillis (Gail) and sister in law, Janis Mizell (Eddie).

Janie was born and raised on the family farm in Dorchester, SC where she helped her mother in their country store, Clayton's Grocery. After graduating from St. George High School, she moved to Columbia to attend USC. She would soon meet her future husband Ed at Doug Broome's Restaurant and they were married soon after.

Janie and Ed remained in the Columbia area for the rest of their lives and Janie spent most of her life raising, worrying about, and loving her family. She was an avid, lifelong fan of all Gamecock sports and rarely missed watching them play. Even well into her 90s, Janie could most often be found outdoors, working in her yard and keeping it in perfect order, something she took great pride in. Her strength, independence, and quiet determination were an inspiration to those who knew her. Janie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and she will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1000 Greenlawn Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 (803) 776-2067