It’s a mighty sad day, as we prepare to say goodbye to our Jackie. She has been such a wonderful friend to us all. She was a Ladybird par excellence! Jackie was always the backbone of the baritone section, and she manned the baritone part alone on many occasions. She knew her notes and lyrics perfectly, and she could sing her part by herself from the beginning of any song to its end!

Jackie Gillis

Over the years, Jackie helped the Ladybirds by serving as President, Treasurer (sometimes Assistant Treasurer), and Costume Committee Chairman. She would step in and help wherever she was needed, and she transported the bunch from Mt. Savage direction to rehearsals and gigs regularly. Jackie was our “blow woman” who blew the pitch for every song we ever sang, and she memorized all those pitches and was able to blow the correct pitch in an instant! Needless to say, she will be sorely missed!

Afternoon Delight

Jackie sang baritone in the Afternoon Delight Quartet for years, and she was close friends with her quartet buddies. She enjoyed traveling to barbershop shows and competitions and gigs, and she particularly enjoyed going to Bob Evans nearly every Thursday after rehearsal to relax and have a bite to eat and socialize with the ladies.

Ladybirds Group Picture

A wonderful person was our Jackie—so kind and caring; so fun-loving and loyal! She was a woman of faith, who read the Bible as a daily routine. Now she has gone to live with the Lord, no longer to suffer the trials and tribulations of her physical body.

Goodbye, Jackie. We love you!

The Ladybirds

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Below is Jackie’s obituary from the newspaper and there is a new photo album in memory of Jackie with many pictures to view. Here’s a sampling along with the obituary…

Jacqueline J. Gillis

Red Hat Lady, Jackie

Mount Savage – Jacqueline Jo (Helmick) Gillis, 77 of Mount Savage, died Friday, May 15, 2009 at WMHS-Braddock Campus.

Born Marcy 30, 1932, in Mannington, WV, she was the daughter of the late Joie and Mary (Holt) Helmick. Mrs. Gillis was a cook at Gehauf’s Restaurant. She was a member of the Ladies Barbershop Harmony Singers and the Red Hat Society, Frosty Flakes.

Ladybirds Group Picture

Surviving are her husband, Edwin Gillis; two daughters, Ann Frost and husband Jack of Frostburg, and Deborah Frankenberry and significant other William Kipe, of Mount Savage; one son, Joseph Gillis and wife Doris, of Barton; one sister, Kathy Warash and husband Sam, of Fairmont, WV; one brother William Helmick and wife Kathy, of LaVale; seven grandchildren, Michael Frost and wife Stephanie, of Frostburg, Douglas Frost and wife Courtney, of Lonaconing, Stephen Frost of Frostburg, Erin Wolfe and husband Shane, of Odenton, Erik Frankenberry, of Cumberland, Caitlin Gillis, of Barton and Christian Gillis, of Barton;; and six great-grandchildren, Kelton, Cheyenne, Logan, Lane, Makayla and Austin.

Frosty Flakes, Red Hatters

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, PA., Cresaptown on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. George Harpold officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.

Ladybirds & Bob Evans Work Together

Jackie’s Night At The Music Box Picture

Afternoon Delight

Ladybirds At Park Place UMC

Jackie Gillis Framed With A Heart

Jackie Gillis

Early Picture of Afternoon Delight

Frosty Flakes, Red Hat Ladies

Red Hat Ladies at Road Kill Cafe

Red Hat Ladies at Mini Convention

Sandy Reads Jackie’s Jingle

Jackie Gillis