Lynn Marie Gilliland's Obituary
Lynn Marie Brown Gilliland, 56, was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Lynn left us suddenly on October 16, 2022. She was born in St. Petersburg on July 26, 1966 and raised in Winter Haven. Lynn was the cherished mother to Hannah Marie Gilliland of Seattle and Margo Ann Gilliland of St. Petersburg. She was the beloved daughter of Dr. Eldon and Mary Lou Brown of Winter Haven, devoted sister to Steve (Ali) Brown of Winter Haven, and treasured Aunt to Aaron (Kat) Brown, and Great Aunt to their daughter Ellie of Winter Haven, Taylor (Ryan) Kilpatrick of Winter Haven, and the late precious Lily Brown.
Lynn lived a complete and full life from Coast to Coast. Her larger-than-life personality was always on full display. She never met a stranger and her connection to people was immediate, palpable, and impactful. Her ability to network and connect people together was a beautiful gift. Lynn championed many causes centering around education, mental health, and empowerment. Laws regarding dyslexia in the state of Washington have been changed because of her.
Lynn loved her family passionately….especially her daughters, Hannah and Margo……..
She was always the family “cruise director.” She made sure that when they got together there was a plan and took charge to make it happen. They engaged in everything from fun games to scavenger hunts to Alaskan cruises to celebrate her parents’ anniversary. None of them will forget the frozen t-shirt game…
Through her growing up years, Lynn was a bright student and a leader amongst her peers. She received honors in High School and at the University of Central Florida where she graduated in 1988. Yet her greatest accomplishment was the many friendships she built. Her earliest friendships of more than 48 years remain strong and vibrant to this day.
As Lynn traveled and lived across the country, she had the unique capability to forge a strong group of women that became her tribe. New and beautiful friendships developed in Portland, St. Petersburg, where she had both girls, and then in Seattle, where she raised them for more than 15 years. Lynn was a loyal friend who brought a laugh when needed and a shoulder to lean on when necessary. Her deep faith was expressed through her actions of loving and caring for each person she knew. She could laugh at herself and lift up others at the same time. Her bright spirit was contagious, and her wise words are unforgettable. Lynn’s souvenir of Doris Day Parking has undoubtedly followed her to heaven.
Life truly came full circle when Lynn found herself back in St. Petersburg, helping her daughter, Margo, launch a new business, spending precious time with her parents, reconnecting with friends, and creating new friendships through her business group, Girl Bosses as well as through her Vibe Tribe group. She was beyond happy living life in the sunshine state!
We know today, she is sitting down with her cup of coffee and reading this obituary along with others…a daily routine she loved. Without a doubt Lynn is reminding everyone that rules are just suggestions, while cooking up some Big Fun!!!
Celebration of her life will be held at St. Johns UMC in Winter Haven, Saturday, October 29 at 2PM. The services will be live streamed at stjohnswh.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Trevor Project online, located in West Hollywood, CA.
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