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Ferrell J (McDade) Gilson
March 21, 1942 - April 17, 2022
Burial Date April 25, 2022
Funeral Mass: Monday, April 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 812 Bowker St SE, Lacey WA 98503.
Graveside Committal: Monday, April 25, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., at Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery, 5930 Mullen Rd SE, Lacey WA 98503
Reception: Please join family and friends for a reception at Hallen Hall, 812 Bowker St SE, Lacey WA 98503 immediately following graveside committal (approx. 12:30 p.m.).
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Ferrell Jannette (McDade) Gilson, 80, of Olympia, passed away at home on Easter Sunday morning, April 17, 2022. She was born to Oliver C. and Gladys (Stowers) McDade on March 21, 1942 in Jackson, MS.
In 1960, Ferrell graduated from high school in Jackson, MS, then went on to Auburn University and graduated in 1964. On November 4, 1966, she married John Gilson at Fort Benning, GA.
Over the next 13 years, Ferrell and John moved for the “needs of the Army” to Fort Irwin, CA; Fort Sill, OK; Germany; Omaha, NE; and San Antonio, TX. In 1979, Ferrell and John moved to Olympia, WA where Ferrell resided for the next 43 years.
Ferrell worked at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish from approximately 1980 to 2018. She held many positions within the parish over the years, completing her career as the Pastoral Administrator and Stewardship Coordinator.
In 1988, Ferrell completed her Master’s Degree at St. Martin’s University.
Ferrell had a great love of music, singing in the church choir and also at weddings and funerals. After retirement, she sang with a group that performed cover songs from the 1960s, such as “One Fine Day” and “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To”.
Ferrell enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, doing crafts, and geneaology. She was involved with Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) activities and also with Catholic confirmation classes. She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish since 1979.
Ferrell is survived by her husband of 55 years, John Gilson; one son, John Gilson III; two daughters Elizabeth Krall and Joy Gilson; 5 grandchildren, and her sister, Sophye Hopper of San Antonio, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, multiple aunts and uncles, and her brother.
Services for Ferrell will be held as follows:
Funeral Mass: Monday, April 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 812 Bowker St SE, Lacey WA 98503.
Graveside Committal: Monday, April 25, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., at Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery, 5930 Mullen Rd SE, Lacey WA 98503
Reception: Please join family and friends for a reception at Hallen Hall, 812 Bowker St SE, Lacey WA 98503 immediately following graveside committal (approx. 12:30 p.m.).