Mary R. Gilliam, age 78, of Smyrna, TN passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Stonecrest Medical Center. She was born and raised in Hartselle, AL and a former resident of Huntsville, AL. Ms. Gilliam was preceded in death by her parents Earnest L. Ryan and Ruby L. Ryan, and her sister Peggy R. Spencer. Ms. Gilliam retired from Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville, AL with over 30 years of dedicated service in the space program. Ms. Gilliam is survived by her daughter, Cynthia "Cindy" Gilliam Allen and her husband, George T. Allen, Jr. of LaVergne; two nephews David J. Spencer of Lebanon, TN and son Bradley Spencer, Mike W. Spencer and his wife Ginny and son Ryan of Canton, GA; two grandchildren, Michael T. Allen of Kissimmee, FL and Christina R. Allen of Key Largo, FL. She was "OG" to her great-grandchildren, Noah and Jonah Allen, both of Kissimmee, FL. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Woodfin Funeral Chapels, Smyrna 615-459-3254. www.woodfinchapel.com.