September 30, 1949 - January 5, 2026
Mrs. Sandra Kay Gillean, age 76, of Calhoun, Georgia, formerly of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 5, 2026. She was born on September 30, 1949, in Athens, Georgia, the beloved daughter of the late Allen and Neta Kinney Bower.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Allen E Bowers Jr of Bethlehem, Ga. Sandra was a woman with a truly generous heart, she devoted her life to caring for others and was known for her selflessness and kindness. Her family meant everything to her, especially her beloved grandson, whom she cherished beyond measure. Sandra also had a deep love for animals and was especially devoted to her cat, Muffin, who faithfully remained by her side until the very end.
She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jerry Gillean, Sr., who considered her his entire world; two sons, Jason Gillean and Kevin Gillean, both of Calhoun, Georgia; her treasured grandson, Brody Gillean, of Calhoun, Georgia; and her sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Arthur “Art” Jackson, of Raleigh, North Carolina.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Ponders Melrose Chapel in Dalton, Georgia, with Reverend Clyde McEntyre officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 P.M. until the service hour.
Interment will follow at Whitfield Memorial Gardens, with Jason Gillean, Kevin Gillean, Brody Gillean, Will Jackson, Lee Bower, Stuart Jackson serving as pallbearers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721. For more information, please visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.
