Katelyn R. Gilliam

Katelyn Rose Gilliam, age 18, of Rockford, Illinois passed away Friday March 22, 2019, surrounded by family. She is survived by her parents Scott and Jamie Gilliam. Katelyn aka “Katie” or “Kate the Great” was born January 31, 2001. She came out kicking and screaming. She had many rare medical conditions, which always baffled the medical community. She was always a fighter. The doctors said she will never walk or talk and she proved them wrong by doing both. She enjoyed music, various sports, animals, kids, camping, being in/on the water, going for walks, being outside, school, riding the school bus, French fries, four wheeling, the sand dunes, cell phones, and guys. She got to meet Katy Perry, ride in a NASCAR going over 200mph, went to Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine” prom, went surfing, rode in a bubble helicopter, participated in Special Olympics, went on an archeological dig, visited Disney World, Detroit Tigers spring training camp, camped in 26 states, threw out the first pitch at a Mud Hens game and was able to go on a Make-A-Wish trip to San Diego, CA. She loved playing and watching sports, especially her Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. She learned the “Let’s Go Red Wings” clap at an early age. Katie touched people lives in such a special way. People always remembered her everywhere we went. She had that light about her and the sparkle in her eye that drew you to her. She was beautiful inside and out. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions in honor of Katelyn may be made to Scott and Jamie Gilliam