Exie B. Gilland 78, of Greenville, Kentucky, formerly of Calhoun passed away Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation. Exie B. Howell was born October 18, 1946 in McLean County, Kentucky to the late Gordy and Myrtle Lee Ford Howell and was married to Franklin Douglas Gilland on November 7, 1970. Exie’s life was one marked by devotion, compassion, and a zest for knowledge and adventure.
Exie was a graduate of the former Calhoun High School, after which she pursued higher education with the same passion she applied to all her endeavors. She earned her degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College and went on to receive her master’s in nursing. Her passion for healthcare led her to a distinguished career as a nurse, and she earlier shared her knowledge and experiences to students as a nursing professor at Tennessee State University.
After retiring from a fulfilling career in nursing, Exie never slowed down. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as searching for new treasures on eBay, delving into the pages of a good book, and cherishing the precious moments spent with her family and friends. Her love for her community was evident through her membership at Woodland Baptist Church in Greenville, where she formed many friendships.
Exie’s life was a testament to the power of nurturing relationships and serving others. Her legacy of kindness, empathy, and education will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her grandchildren and great-grandson will carry forward her spirit, ensuring that her love and lessons are passed down through generations.
In addition to her parents, Exie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Gilland, who died on February 4, 1986; by her daughter, Amy Stewart; by her sister, Betty McElwain; and by two brothers, Carl Howell and Truman Howell.
Exie is survived by her son, Kevin Gilland of Calhoun; her son-in-law, Neal Stewart of Greenville; five grandchildren, Jacob Gilland, Trasen Gilland (Tiffani Miller), Paiton Revlett (Megan Blake), Alexis Gilland, and Blake Stewart; a great grandson, Journey Gilland; a brother, Eugene Howell of Greenville; and a brother-in-law, Alden McElwain of Calhoun.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, November 25, 2024 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Calhoun Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with Exie’s family from 12:30 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Monday at Musters in Calhoun.
The Exie B. Gilland family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Calhoun Cemetery, Iron Fence Restoration Fund; C/O John Howard; 400 Guy Settle Loop; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.
Exie’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 3:00 P.M. Monday.
Share your memories and photos of Exie at musterfuneralhomes.com.