Obituary of Reverend Dorothy Mae Gilliam

On Angels wings, Rev. Dorothy Mae Gilliam was taken away— no more pain. Dorothy was the daughter of Rev. Alexandria and Melvin Wade. She was the oldest of five siblings. She grew up in a Christian home and was baptize at an early age at Pleasant View Baptist Church. Robert and Dorothy Gilliam were joined in marriage February 2, 1957. They became members of First Baptist Church in Kensington, Maryland, where the Pastor was Rev. James W. Murphy. She served on the pastor's aide ministry, sang on the choir ministry, and served as a Deaconess. They were blessed with five children and they welcomed in lots of family members to stay at their home over the years. She held a variety of jobs in Washington, DC. Over the years she has worked at nursing homes, Chippenham Hospital, and private home care. Her last job was establishing a daycare business. In 1972 the family moved to Cumberland County. They then joined New Hope Baptist Church in Cartersville under the leadership of Rev. Paul Evans. She later moved her membership back to Pleasant View Baptist Church where she was under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Jackson. Dorothy preached her initial sermon and became associate minister at Pleasant View Baptist Church. Most recently, she served with Rev. Clifford Temple. She sang with the Holy Land Gospel Singers. She loved gospel music: her favorite songs were "God Specializes and I shall wear a crown." She also loved to read. We will miss her cooking, especially her blackberry cobbler. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Donald Wade and Alvin Taylor, granddaughter; Ashley Mayo, and three great grandchildren; Jeremiah, Shyla, and Sage Gilliam. She leaves to cherish loving memories, her husband, Robert Gilliam, daughters; Shelia Johnson (Ike Sr.), Loretta Waddy (Deacon Chris Sr.), Terrie Tobias, and Minister Linda Gilliam-Johnson, son; Robert Gilliam Jr., Fourteen grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren, sisters; Mattie Jackson (Lawrence), and Florrine Foster, sisters in-law; Grace Wade, Queen Taylor. Carrie Brown, Susie Miller, Annie Coleman, Jean Gilliam, and brother in- law Wiley Gilliam (Rev. Clara), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special Family and friends: Katherine Branch, Annie Riddle, Dorothy Davis, Thelma Wade, Louise Wade, Gracie Brown, Rosa Woodard, Estelle Crump, Janice and Bruce Tinsley, Raymond, and Ethel Mayo.