Ryanne Marie Gillum was a proud member of the Class of ’99. She attended Central DeWitt Schools K-12 where she was an honor student participating in band, chorus, NHS, FCA, basketball and softball always wearing #42. She excelled in softball and managed to rewrite the record books in every pitching category, while being named to All-Conference and All-State teams five consecutive years.
Ryanne then went on to St. Ambrose University again thriving academically and athletically. She graduated from SAU with a B.A. in education and as the all-time leader in pitching wins. She was named Academic All-American three times and a NAIA Softball All-American her senior year. Softball opened many doors for Ryanne, including an invitation from the US Olympic Committee to a tryout camp as well as the opportunity to pitch for a US International team in Europe.
Successful at everything she took part in was symbolic of her hallmark drive, determination, and work ethic. Her classmates, teammates, coaches, and professional colleagues describe her as much more. To them, Ryanne was a caring friend, inspirational leader, model, protector of the underdog and guide to stewarding everyone to do the right thing for the right reasons. Her greatest attribute was that of a humanitarian.
Ryanne married Jonathan Davis in 2007 and together they built a home and family in Virgina Beach, Virginia. They welcomed their two sons Charles in 2009 and Jameson in 2013. They relished the roles of parenthood and family. Ryanne served in Virgina Beach Schools as a respected teacher, mentor, and trainer. She was a natural teacher who inspired students at all functional levels to excel and overcome any of their limitations. Her twenty-year career provided her professional accolades and personal comfort that she was doing the work she was meant to do; providing support and inspiration for children. Ryanne succumbed to her horrific disease days shy of her 43rd birthday and passed away November 14, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Her year long battle with breast cancer finally took the life of a wonderful human being, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend to all who crossed her path. Number 42 is now “Forever 42″.
The Gillum Family, inspired by and in concert with the Central Class of ‘99, her cohort of friends, teammates, and colleagues honor her legacy with a memorial scholarship presented to the Central DeWitt H.S. student who best emulates the attributes Ryanne possessed as a leader, model citizen and humanitarian. Students that plan to further their education, whether through college, trade school, or an apprenticeship, are eligible
Online Scholarship Application Form