The radiant Rise Renee Gilliom peacefully passed away on September 28, 2025, at the age of 72 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rise was born on April 27, 1953, to Lyle Everett and Charlotte Lee Gilliom in St. Charles, Missouri. A fitting namesake, she was named for midcentury mezzo-soprano Risë Stevens, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Bizet’s headstrong, independent Carmen. Rise grew up making music and tinkering in her father’s garage alongside her five siblings. Gilliom family Christmases were especially joyful through the years, often featuring skits coordinated by Rise and generations gathered around the piano for holiday singing, with Rise at the keys.

Rise developed a deep love for the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures as a student at St. Charles High School. She went on to major in Spanish at the University of Missouri, where she also studied keyboard and French horn. Her early teaching years took her near and far from home—from Lebanon, Missouri, to Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia. From early in her career, Rise was noted as “a dedicated educator who values quality, demands this of herself, and invites others to a similar response.” She was praised for her energy and enthusiasm, her rapport with students and peers, and her creativity in and beyond the classroom. Committed to, yet hardly defined by, her work, Rise’s bachelorette years were rich with travel and personal interests, including residencies in Madrid and Santiago de Compostela, Spain; photography studies at the Instituto Allende in Mexico; and multiple athletic pursuits.

In 1986, Rise began teaching Spanish at St. Louis Priory School, where over fifteen years she expanded the curriculum from a three-year to a six-year program. In May 1988, she married her charming colleague from the Modern Languages department, French teacher and multi-sport coach James L. Wortham. Rise and Jim soon welcomed two children: Lucy Renee in April 1989 and James (Jay) Hayden in November 1991. Rise fostered curiosity, determination, and compassion in her children, and was an avid supporter of their hobbies and interests—from Little League and Scouting to music lessons and beyond. Rise and Jim remained gracious co-parents through the end of their marriage, and as Jim’s health declined in later years, Rise was tireless in caring and advocating for her dear friend until his passing in 2019.

Rise retired from teaching in 2009 and reoriented her career to public librarianship, working for the St. Louis Public Library—first in the substitute pool, then as a Library Technician at the Schlafly and Central Library branches. She was a valued teammate among SLPL staff and formed several deep connections with library regulars. During this time, Rise joined the community at the Crown Center for Senior Living in 2016, where she became an active fixture, serving as the Center’s volunteer librarian and a spirited presence on the Resident Council. After retiring from the Public Library in 2020, she fully embraced her hobbies and the company of her family and friends. Her retirement years were filled with concerts and operas, light travel, and countless hours spent reading and enjoying the companionship of Ruby, her beloved grand-dog.

Rise enjoyed much hearty, good health throughout her life. In 2013, she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer, underwent radiation and chemotherapy, and was cancer-free by year’s end. Years later, secondary cancer metastasized in her bones—though one would scarcely have noticed, given how active she remained. In July 2025, her doctors found that the cancer had spread to the lining of her brain. With this diagnosis, Rise chose hospice care with characteristic grace and assurance. She remained at home through August and much of September, and came to her quiet, comfortable passing at BJC’s Evelyn’s House on September 28, 2025, just as the sun rose into a beautiful, clear morning. Lucy and Jay were by her side through the night.

Rise is survived by her two children, Lucy Wortham and James H. Wortham, both of St. Louis, MO (and grand-pets Nino and Ruby); siblings Cheri Briscoe (Tom) of Milwaukee, WI; Janine Sandfort (Bob) of St. Charles, MO; Robyn Gilliom (Richard Friedman) of Wilmette, IL; and Greg Gilliom (Kathy Kissel) of Redwood City, CA; seven nieces and nephews and their families; and many cousins, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Charlotte Gilliom; sister Jill Gilliom; dear friend and co-parent James L. Wortham; and mother- and sister-in-law Audrey Wortham and Mona Wortham Asher.

All are invited to a memorial reception in Rise’s honor on Sunday, November 16, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Crown Center for Senior Living, 8350 Delcrest Drive, University City, MO. Memorial gifts may be made to any of the following organizations dear to Rise: Duo Dogs, Inc.; Friends of the St. Louis Public Library; or the Gladys and Henry Crown Center for Senior Living. Condolences may be sent to Lucy and Jay Wortham at 532 Fassen St., St. Louis, MO 63111.