Obituary of Mabel Bell Gilliam

The last living link to a bygone era of self-sufficient farms on land purchased by a former slave, Mabel Ann Bell Gilliam lived the longest to tell the story and pass on inspiration to the next generation. The last of 61 grandchildren of John Tyler and Ellen Bell, she bore in her body and memory the saga of segregation, survival, and triumph over oppression below the Mason-Dixon line. Mabel was born on Sunday, February 6, 1927, into the loving Christian home of Joel Pembroke and Josephine Howell Bell where chores, worship, walking, eating fresh food, learning, listening, obeying, cleaning, early bedtimes, reciting Bible texts, and more chores was the norm. She was the fifth child and youngest daughter and enjoyed the happy, simple pleasures of country living with her five siblings - Beatrice, Joel, Helen, James, and Wallace. In recent years, she shared stories of clothes lines, fanning flies, gathering chicken eggs, Christmas morning gifts, wood-burning stoves, and good eating of home-grown foods. She attended the 2-room segregated Moheminco schoolhouse with a pot-bellied stove, and endured harassment of students riding the school bus as she and siblings walked 3 miles every day. One fateful day the school bus struck her, breaking her leg – a scar of segregation that remained. In 1945, she graduated from Pocahantas High School. Shortly thereafter, she became a part of The Great Migration and moved to New York City. Upon arrival with her young nephew, George Edward Booker, she lived in the Bronx for a while with her sister, Beatrice. There she met Edward Boyd. They married and had three daughters. Mabel worked at the local F.W. Woolworth's, at Macy's Herald Square, and later at the New York City Department of Personnel for about 15 years until 1980 when she retired. She used her influence wisely, informing people of civil service exams and employment opportunities they would not otherwise have known about. After retirement, she returned to Powhatan along with her husband Randolph Gilliam to a home that her brother, Wallace, had earlier built for her. She worked in many capacities in the Powhatan School System. Mabel was a caregiver. She took people to their medical appointments and treatment sessions. She would drive them and sit with them the entire time doing word search puzzles and drinking water. When she could no longer drive, she arranged transportation and still accompanied them on their visits. Mabel was a fashionista, she loved to wear stylish clothing and hats, and dressed meticulously. She also loved to travel – any mode of transportation that was leaving Powhatan. She traveled a lot with Randolph, and after his death, she travelled with family and friends and especially with her brother, Wallace. Mabel was the life of the party. She was funny. She loved to "cut up", play card games, especially pinochle, and entertain. Mabel was a mentor to many young people imparting words of wisdom and life lessons. She taught her daughters how to sew and they made their school clothing. Upon retirement she took a quilting class, and her daughters still cherish the colorful quilts she made. Her favorite foods included bread and cauliflower. Eating her mother's fresh rolls was a delicious staple. Eating bread with ice cream was her trademark. It wasn't until her 80th birthday party in 2007 that her daughters became more aware of her extensive community service and mentoring of youth. Mabel was very appreciative. In the last months and days of her life, she was often heard saying, "I am blessed. I had a beautiful life. I know I am blessed." She leaves to cherish her memories, her children; Dietrich Brown (Leonard), Denise Henderson, and Saundra Townes (Donald); three grandchildren, Dameon Haskins (Cathy), Amira Brown-Ridgle (Alvin), and Deneal Haskins (Aixa); eleven great grandchildren, Turhan Brown (Jada), Andrea Brown (Tri), Mia, DeSean, Meiki, Unique, Isaiah, Bashirah, Dylon, Menelik, and Deneal, Jr.; one great-great grandchild, Elijah; a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, one sister-in-law, and a host of other beloved family and friends. I loved her sense of humor and easy smile. She was such a bright spirit, and I don't think words can describe the effect her light had on all of us and the world around her. A Mother's Love There's no love like a mother's, Her heart is filled with care. With Christ as her example, Her Savior's love she'll share. A mother's love is endless, Not changing for all time. When needed by her children. A mother's love will shine. God bless these special mothers, God bless them everyone. For all their tears and heartaches, And special work they've done. When days on earth are over, A mother's love lives on. Through many generations, God's blessings on each one. Be thankful for our mothers, Who love with higher love, From power God has given, And strength from above. Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren Reflections Dameon Haskins These things that my grandmother said have always stuck with me. Do your job to the best of your abilities. Always give an honest day's work and take pride in what you do whatever it is because someone is always watching what you do. Deneal Haskins When I was baptized in Mt. Zion, she emphasized to always put God first and put my faith in Him. Later in life I realized that He always has my back through the good and bad times. She also said to do right by people and treat them as you would want to be treated because, it's a reflection of who you are as a person. Andrea Brown I loved her sense of humor and easy smile. She was such a bright spirit, and I don't think words can describe the effect her light had on all of us and the world around her. Meiki Haskins During one of the family reunions, I remember I was being a little selfish in not wanting to go. She told me you must go because this is your family and at the end of the day family is all we have. Acknowledgement The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for all the acts of kindness shown during our time of sorrow. May God richly bless each of you. A special thanks to LaMonica Ayers, a loving caregiver and Audrey Mayo a bonus daughter.