Mrs. Lona Marie Tipton Gilliam, age 75, of Richmond, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Baptist Health – Richmond. Mrs. Gilliam, the daughter of the late Raymond and Laura King Tipton, was born in Madison County on December 28, 1944. She retired from the Madison County Board of Education where she served as a cook for Madison Central High School. She liked to sew, fish and tend her flowers. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she especially enjoyed family gatherings. All of those that knew her are aware of just how much she loved her dishes. She was also a member of Million Bible Church. On January 30, 1965, Marie united in marriage to Bobby Gilliam and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Gilliam is survived by their daughter: Anna (& Charles) Dixon of Richmond; two brothers: Kenneth Gary Tipton of Richmond and David Bronson (& Sandy) Tipton of Nicholasville; one sister: Vickie Lynn (& Leland) Scarborough; three grandchildren: Michael (& Maggie) Chism, Bobby Chism and Cynthia (& Joe) Wood; her sister-in-law: Donna Tipton; one son-in-law: Mitchell Chism and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Gilliam was also preceded in death by one daughter: Sheila Faye Chism and her brother: Millard Lee “Tip” Tipton. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, September 21, 2020 at Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home with Bro. Scott Guiley officiating. Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery. A walk through visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Joe Wood, Mitchell Chism, Michael Chism, Bobby Chism, James Chism, Lee Scarborough and Ben Tipton. Facial coverings and social distancing will be observed.