Obituary for Danita Gilliam
Danita Gilliam, a beloved daughter of Altus, Oklahoma, was called home to be with our Lord, January 27, 2025 in Oklahoma City, OK, surrounded by her loving family at the prime age of sixty-four.
Born May 3, 1960, in Richmond, Indiana to Dennis Moistner and Betty Knight, Danita became a bundled blessing to her parents in love, her Aunt and Uncle Ruth and Wilbur Moistner, whom she lovingly referred to as "Mom" and "Dad." She was raised in a military structured home by way of the Air Force, which landed their family in multiple places to call home, such as Gary, Indiana, Midwest City, Oklahoma, and finally, her forever home in Altus, Oklahoma. She graduated from Altus High School in 1978, the origin of her lifelong friendships and fondest memories.On September 14, 1997 she married Kevin Gilliam in Vernon, Texas, and their union was blessed with five children, Heath, Kale, Reyna, Mariah, and Jhett. She cherished the uniqueness of motherhood, and marveled at the blessing of being a Grandmother. She looked and took full advantage of any opportunity to spoil them with gifts and always made sure holidays such as Christmas and Easter were touched with pure magic that only a Grandmother could provide.
Within her career, she became a glaring beacon of love, passion, and hard work personified. For 30 years, she followed her life's calling to retail, working in a variety of departments, ultimately to be highlighted as the Lawn and Garden Manager at Walmart, where her efforts received acknowledgement and recognition from Sam Walton, Walmart's Founding Chief Executive Officer.
Upon concluding her dedicated efforts at Walmart, she continued her service as a Produce Team Member for the Commissary at Altus Air Force Base, where her warming heart opened to received her co-workers as family. She was God's most humble servant who made sure his people never went without. Her care for others ensured that they felt love, hope, and joy as she made it her obligation to uplift them, and as the saying goes, "she's a person that has never known a stranger." That same care was extended to food as well, as she developed a keen eye for fruit fresh off the press.
With a heart's worth of heaven's gold, her impact was always felt as she poured herself into everything she did. Non-profits were her perfect match, as she would always pair up with one looking to serve as a dedicated volunteer. Danita could always be found at a local animal shelter, spreading love and nurturing animals back to strength with whatever resources she could provide. And yes, she never passed on a trip to Walmart to provide these things with love. Her famous caring gesture, was providing donuts for the Airmen gate guards and produce team that she worked with, ensuring their K9 companions were well-fed with treats as well. Her deep loved animals, led her to always caring for strays as she greeted them with a unique kindness and generosity that knew no bounds.
As a woman of strong convictions, Danita was deeply patriotic and incredibly honored to have raised three children who went on to serve in the United States Military. She was passionate about her beliefs, never shying away from deep conversations about the world. Her spirited debates were fueled by her passion to read with Jude Deveraux and Johanna Lindsay being some of her favorite authors. She was a true hopeless romantic, always finding joy in Hallmark movies, stories of love and devotion, and had dreams of publishing her own one day.
Above all, she loved God and had no fear of returning home to Him. She found peace in her faith, knowing that Heaven awaited her with open arms. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the kindness she spread, and the love she gave so freely. Her love was grand-because that's just who she was.
Danita Gilliam was preceded in death by her biological parents, Dennis Moistner and Betty Knight, her parents in love, Ruth and Wilbur Moistner, and her brother Mickey Moistner.
Left to honor her memory and legacy are her husband Kevin Gilliam; Children, Heath Howes and wife Savannah, Kale Howes and wife Vikki, Reyna Alexander and husband Pequeno Alexander (Ty), Mariah Gilliam, and Jhett Gilliam and wife Carly; Five grandchildren, Weslee Howes, Aiden Howes, Parker Howes, Kiah Alexander, and Laiken Gilliam. Also surviving Danita are her siblings; Danelle Moistner, Will Knight, Lisa Moistner; Her beloved fur babies, Dax, Oakley, and Kodak; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, her beloved friends and her Altus Community which she cherished so much.
Danita's family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma with interment to follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Danita Gilliam, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Viewing
Friday
31
Jan
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
Saturday
1
Feb
2:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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