Maureen Margaret Gilreath

Maureen Margaret Gilreath passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2024. Maureen was born in England on January 14, 1941, to parents Maureen Margaret Locke and Thomas Joseph O’Malley.

She was an accomplished and supportive Air Force wife for many years before she and her husband, James, settled their family in the Red Bay area, and she was proud of working hard to gain her US citizenship in September of 1976.

 She loved to crochet blankets, cheer on the Florida Gators, read good books, and cook family dinners. A couple of her favorite things were visiting Ireland and watching Grogu on Mandalorian.

Weekly family dinners at her house and long insightful conversations are only a couple of the many wonderful memories family and friends have to cherish. Two of her frequent sayings were - “I haven’t seen that in donkey’s years” and “Just bung it in the oven”. Recollection of these fun phrases will bring smiles to the faces of those who knew her for many years to come. 

 Maureen was fiery, strong willed, and fiercely independent, but her earnest soft heartedness was one of her best traits. 

 She is survived by sons Mark Raven (Pam), Terry Raven, Anthony Raven, Tim Bickham (Andrew Raven) and Roxanne and Travis Gilreath (Tisha), daughters Dawn and Michelle O’Malley, sister in law Margaret O’Malley, sister Margret O’Malley, grandchildren Dylan Gilreath, Sean Gilreath, Ian Gilreath, Ashley Bickham, Caryn Bickham, Daniel Raven, Neil Raven, Karen Bek, Dennis Raven, Sarah Mudd, Graham Raven, great-grandchildren Hayden, Calliope, Charlotte, Farrah, Samuel, Matt, Luke, Patrick, Rosie, Zora, Isabel, Ceylon, Ronnie, and Maddison, and great great-grandchildren Elliot, Riley, and Millie.

 She is preceded in death by her husband James Gilreath, son Paul Gilreath, daughter Mandy O’Malley, parents Maureen and Thomas O’Malley, and brothers Tony O’Malley and Phillip O’Malley

 She will be deeply missed, but the family takes solace in knowing she is happy in heaven with her beloved husband. 

 The family would love to see donations made to Covenant House in Maureen’s memory.