Ellsworth, Maine - Theolyn E. Gilley, 85, died after a long illness October 8, 2025. She was born in Southwest Harbor, June 15, 1940, the daughter of Alton L. and Vera C. (Harper) Mitchell.

Theolyn spent her childhood in Bernard and attended Pemetic High School. She married her husband of 50 years, Clayton Gilley Sr. and the couple settled in Bar Harbor. She worked for several years as an animal health technician and upon her retirement she became a prolific professional artist. She enjoyed photographing and painting images of the coast and islands of Maine. Many times, when serving aboard the mission boat Sunbeam. She also had a keen interest in Biblical Archeology.

She was predeceased by her husband; and her brother, Alton. She is survived by her children, Clayton Jr., Michael, Linda Hatch, and Karen Willey, all of whom reside in Eastern Maine; grandchildren, Sean, Elizabeth, Thomas, John, Caroline, Toni, Cara, and Johnathan; as well as several great-grandchildren.

A reception and display of her art, where remembrances will be shared will be 1 until 3 p.m. October 25 at the Eden Baptist Church Parish Hall, 158 Old Bar Harbor Rd., in Salisbury Cove. Followed by a private graveside interment ceremony at the Otter Creek Cemetery in Mount Desert.