Amelia Mae Cleland Gilreath

1929 - 2003

This picture was sent to me by Jim Gilreath, Amy's son. I hope it is all right with Jim that I have included it on this memorial tribute to Amy.

Years ago, my widowed neighbor commented that the deceased are quickly forgotten. As I sit here today, I remembered that comment as I remembered Amy. Amy is not forgotten. I miss my dear friend, Amy. I miss her email, her wit, and her help. I miss being there for her and her being there for me in good times and bad times.

Genealogy brought us together. A friendship formed quickly through email. I never met Amy in person but I knew her well and I loved her. I will never forget Amy.

Amelia Mae Cleland Gilreath died on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at the age of 74. She was born April 7, 1929 in Washington, D.C. She was the third of five children born to John Belton and Ethel Mae Irwin Cleland. She married Stanley N. Gilreath, December 4, 1959.

Amy was the author of 27 genealogy books. She was an enormous help to others with her book on will abstracts and her series of books on deed abstracts. Amy researched her ancestry for over thirty years and wrote "Oh Shenandoah I love your daughter" - The Irwin - Holler Story in 1998. Her sense of humor is displayed in various places throughout the book but the last page of the book really shows her wit. The page has a picture of Amy sitting on her horse, Actor, with both showing their backsides towards the camera's lens and the words, "The End."

Amy was a member of the Shenandoah County, Virginia discussion list and was quick to help others with their queries while her health permitted. She was cherished by all members and was honored with a plaque in the summer of 2001 where it is displayed in the Shenandoah Room in the Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg.

In addition to being an author of genealogy books, Amy's accomplishments included:

Real Granddaughter
United Daughters of the Confederacy

Managing Editor
Centennial Edition DAR Patriot Index

Past National Chairman, DAR Patriot Index
Daughters of the American Revolution
( 9 year term )

Member
National League of American Pen Women 

I'd be willing to bet that Amy is in Heaven discussing family history with her ancestors. Her son, Jim, quoted her in a statement made shortly before her departure from Earth, "I'm starting another chapter."

By Alley Blackford
November 23, 2004

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