Martha "Beth" Gillham's Obituary
Martha “Beth” Gillham, 85, of Austin, Texas, passed away on August 4, 2025, from complications of cancer, she was surrounded by loving friends.
Born on July 29, 1940, in Clarendon, Texas, Beth was the only child of John Rollins Gillham and Clara Alexander Gillham. From an early age, she stood out for her determination and spirit. As a girl, she could often be found at the West Texas Fat Stock Shows, proudly leading her entries and bringing home ribbons — the first of many honors in a life filled with accomplishment.
Beth’s love of learning carried her to Texas Tech University, where she earned her B.S. in Food & Nutrition and Home Economics Education. More importantly, she formed friendships that would last a lifetime, including Betsy Hanson, who became as close as a sister. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Nutrition from Iowa State University, where she met Harriett McCoy, another soul who became family.
In 1975, Beth moved to Austin to join the University of Texas as an Associate Professor of Human Ecology in the College of Natural Sciences. For the next 30 years, she poured her energy into teaching and mentoring, serving as Director of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics and guiding more than 400 dietitians into the profession. She supervised countless graduate students, offering not just academic guidance but life advice, encouragement, and the occasional gentle nudge to “get back on track.” She was dedicated to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND), and was recognized by her peers, earning the prestigious Medallion Award in 1991. She served as chair of the AND Commission on Accreditation and Education Standards, where she earned her peers respect for her leadership and commitment to the excellence in the education of dietetic practitioners. She was also recognized for the 50-year Membership Award in 2013, and the Texas Dietitian of the Year in 1989.
Beth’s professional life was deeply entwined with personal connections. Upon arriving at UT, she found a mentor and friend in fellow professor Margaret Eppright but that was just one of many lifelong friendships she nourished. Beth also grew close to professors Phyllis Richards and Margaret Briley. Over time, Beth became the mentor and supported students-turned-professors-turned friends Monica Meadows and Lynn Davis who became like family.
Although Beth was an only child, she wove together a wide and loving family from her aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She stayed close to Harriett and Betsy’s families, and was a proud surrogate aunt to Kathryn (Vern) Hanson and Julie (Matt) Malwitz. She believed family was as much about choice as about birth, and she chose generously. She cultivated her garden of friends by staying in touch by Zoom, phone and email with friends from her school days in Clarendon and Iowa State as well as her Alexander and Gillham cousins, former students and CPD faculty.
A devoted member of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, Beth made many close friendships in the church family. She also volunteered on many committees, with a special fondness for the Finance Committee, where her sharp mind and steady hand were invaluable.
She had a zest for life outside of work and church, too. Beth was a loyal University of Texas sports fan, often spotted at the Lady Longhorns basketball games or cheering football from her living room. She loved water aerobics, reading, dominos, and bridge. She delighted in travel — both across the United States and internationally — with her beloved friends from the university and church. The ocean, especially, spoke to her soul, and she dreamed of one last cruise across the seas.
Beth will be remembered as a generous and unwavering leader, a wise and compassionate mentor, and a steadfast friend. She stood up for people who needed a voice, and behind her advocacy was quiet, consistent generosity. Her life was not only about what she accomplished, but about the people she lifted up along the way.
Beth is preceded in death by her parents, John and Clara Gillham; Harriett McCoy and Betsy Hanson. She is survived by Kathryn (Vern) Hanson; Julie (Matt) Malwitz; Monica (Rob) Meadows; Lynn Davis; Mary Frances Markley and Cathy Troutner.
A graveside service will be held at 10 AM on August 23 in Clarendon, Texas. A memorial service will be held in Austin at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church on November 15th at 1:00 pm.
She was a special woman whose light and kindness touched many — and she will be deeply missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Dr., Austin, TX 78731; Habitat for Humanity, 8001 Cameron Rd., Austin, TX 78754; or online to Habitat for Humanity International.
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