Emily Iris Green Gilliard passed away April 21, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, Florida. Iris was born on November 9, 1930, to Jesse and Mildred Green. She was a lifelong resident of Hardee County, graduating from Hardee High School in the class of 1950. She was self-employed at Gilliard's Income Tax/Bookkeeping Service and an active member of the Florida First Assembly of God in Wauchula.
Iris was an avid gardener, and the garden was truly her happy place. She also loved traveling and spending time with her family.
Her family will remember her as a woman of strong faith, a prayer warrior, and a friend to all she met. She was resilient, encouraging, and always had a smile. She loved people and was loved by many.

She is survived by her children Emmitt Malone Steverson (Judy) from Keyport Washington, and Anita Iris Barrett from Wauchula, along with sisters Lorine Dees from Wauchula, Lillie Crane from Wauchula, Linda Perkins from Zolfo Springs, and Sue Birge from Bowling Green. Iris had eight grandchildren: Keya, Natasha, Matt, Ben, Stacey, Josh, Alix, Jesse, and seven great-grandchildren: Andrew, Blayne, Chelsea, Willow, Grayson, Brooke, Skylar, and Alder, and one great-great-grandchild, Violet.

She is preceded in death by her Husband's Emmitt Steverson, David Barrett, and Charles Gilliard, and son David (Roy) Barrett.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.