Christa Elsa Gilliard

Christa Elsa Gilliard, born on December 8, 1933, in Wurzburg, Germany, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on January 26, 2026, in Apopka, Florida. Christa's journey through life was marked by faith, family and friends and an unwavering spirit that touched all who knew her.

Christa lived in Germany until 1956 when she became the beloved wife of J.D. Gilliard, with whom she shared a life of 69 years filled with cherished memories. Together, they raised a wonderful family who adored her deeply. She is survived by six of her seven devoted children: Tammy Wood (Richard Skipper), Hannah Teal (Charles), Deborah Bird (Dave), J.D. Gilliard III, Ray Gilliard (Kim), and Jerry Gilliard (Tammy). Each of them carries forward her legacy of kindness and strength. Christa is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Hanna Harnisch and Erwin Harnisch, her daughter, Judy Fuhrman, and grandson Kyle Gilliard who undoubtedly welcomed her with open arms. Christa's family has always been her greatest source of pride and joy, and her absence will be profoundly felt by each of them.

In addition to her lifetime dream of a big family and coming to America, on February 19, 1987, Christa became a United States Citizen.

A burial service honoring Christa will be held on February 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery, located at 141 Edgewood St, Apopka, Florida. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her remarkable life and the impact she made on those around her at the Zellwood Community Center, located at 3160 Union St. Zellwood 32798.

Christa leaves behind a legacy filled with love, warmth, and fond memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

To share memories of Christa or to leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Christa's name.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Christa Elsa Gilliard, please visit our flower store.