OBITUARY
Grier P. Gilliam
February 1, 1933 – August 15, 2013
On August 15, 2013, God needed an angel and He called Home the most loving, caring and unselfish angel of all.
Grier Powers Gilliam was born in Carthage, NC in 1933 and was preceded in death by her parents, John R. and Ada M. Powers. A brother John Raymond Powers and two sisters, Mozelle P. Thomas and Helen P. Harris. Grier was a member of Oaklette United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, VA.
Survivors include her loving husband of 61 years. William D. Gilliam, Sr., three sons, William D. Gilliam Jr., and his wife, Carolyn of North Carolina. J. David Gilliam and his wife, Terry, Jeffrey W. Gilliam and his wife, Debbie of Chesapeake, VA and a daughter, LuAnn G. Kruger and her husband Dave of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Also, feeling the loss are her sisters, Ruth Craver, Mildred “Billie” Womack, and Margaret Fentress as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would also like to recognize the kindness and compassion of the Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Tidewater notably Grace Padgett as well as The staff of Kempsville Health and Rehab Center namely Megan and “Tee,” that gave of their time and compassion in caring for Grier and her family
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A celebration of Grier’s life will be held on Monday, August 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel at Smith and Williams. A reception will follow the service. The burial service will be private.
Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com. Additionally, donations can be made in memory to the Oaklette United Methodist Church Food Pantry.
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Visitation Sunday, August 18, 2013
- Celebration of Life Monday, August 19, 2013
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Interment
REMEMBERING
Grier P. Gilliam
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RECEIVE UPDATESBecky Gilliam Cogan
August 22, 2013
Just want you all to know that I was sad to hear the news! Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Will keep you in touch?
Becky Gilliam Cogan and family
Jeff and Angela McNair
August 22, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie Ellis Dunbar
August 21, 2013
Jeff, LuAnn, David and family you are all such a great bunch I know you have a awesome "Mama" looking down from heaven on you all. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. Jackie
Mike and Carol Conaway
August 20, 2013
Gilliam Family,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers. Feel hugged.
August 20, 2013
Dear Gilliam Family, I so sorry to hear of Grier's passing. Grier and I were in Christian's Woman Club together. I remember how much fun Grier, Martha Anne and myself had.
Love and Prayers, Mary Beth Howell
Cindy Bailey
August 19, 2013
Dear LuAnn and Gilliam family,
I heard the sad news today of Mrs. Gilliam's passing today. I have very fond memories of her from my teen years. Her smile and laughter were contagious. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. How lucky the world was to know her. I am so,so sorry for your loss.
Bob & Estelle Slick
August 19, 2013
Gilliam Family:
Sorry for the loss of your loved one. Thoughts and prayers be with you at this time. May god hold you and comfort you at this hard time.
August 19, 2013
I am sorry to hear about Mrs. Gilliam's passing--sorry I cannot be there today but we are shorthanded at work. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Wayne Sykes
Megan Boungiorno
August 19, 2013
I am so grateful to have meet Mrs. Gilliam and her family :) my thoughts and prayers are with you all. love to you all Megan CNA
Jenny Owens
August 19, 2013
May your memories of her console you during the difficult times. Peace be with you!
Diane Tegtmeyer
August 19, 2013
I want to express to the entire Gilliam family my most heartfelt sympathy. Nana's love, laughter and supportive words have touched many. I will never forget Nana's love you forever wave on the porch and her "Do be a good do-bee" song for the children. Her love for her family is evident by the food in the frig in case you stop by for lunch, the family photos on the wall and the growth notches on the door frame marking years of growth for her family. LuAnn, a classic giggle moment is when we took tennis lessons and your mom and she left the cover on the racket for the first serve.
Love, Diane Tegtmeyer
Bill Parker
August 19, 2013
Uncle Bill and family,
Aunt Grier will be forever in our thoughts. You'll are in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry we couldn't be there during this time as we had a previously planned vacation.
Bill, Michele, Erin & Matthew Parker
Cindy Gibbs
August 19, 2013
Ashley and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Grandmother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cindy Gibbs
Louis Troughton
August 19, 2013
My sincere sympathy to you and your family, Bill. Although the loss after so many years together brings great sorrow, those same years provide many happy memories that you will cherish forever.
Sharon Kinser
August 19, 2013
Bill and Carolyn and family, we are so sorry for your loss but we all know THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME...WE ARE ALL JUST PASSING THROUGH and we will be reunited once again in that mansion in tthe sky. Prayers for comfort and peace for each of you. Phil and Sharon Kinser
August 19, 2013
All of Grier's classmates in Sanford send our prayers to the family. Seth Cox
Diane Tegtmeyer
August 18, 2013
I want to express to the entire Gilliam family my most heartfelt sympathy. Nana's love, laughter and supportive words have touched many. I will never forget Nana's love you forever wave on the porch and her "Do be a good do-bee" song for the children. Her love for her family is evident by the food in the frig in case you stop by for lunch, the family photos on the wall and the growth notches on the door frame marking years of growth for her family. LuAnn, a classic giggle moment is when we took tennis lessons and your mom left the cover on the racket for the first serve. xo
Love, Diane Tegtmeyer
Kim Fugh
August 18, 2013
Mrs. Gilliam was by far one of the nicest people I have ever known. I will cherish our last visit. The Gilliam family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Cam and Judi McNair
August 18, 2013
Our memories of Aunt Grier are so very positive and happy and loving. We know she is in a special part of heaven right now. Uncle Bill, we wish we could be there with you now, and we are so glad that Mom (Katie) is able to make the trip. I know she will express the love and sympathy that all the McNairs have for you. We love you.
Tammy Murphy
August 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you Lucy
Ellen Cupp
August 18, 2013
LuAnn,
It is so hard to say good bye to a mother. But you can take great comfort in knowing what a good daughter you have been and that now your mother is at peace. My heartfelt condolences to you and to your family.
Ellen Cupp
Norfolk, VA
Judi Bowen
August 18, 2013
LuAnne and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. So sorry for your loss...
When a Loved One becomes a Memory--The Memory then becomes a Treasure
Nancy Iacavone
August 18, 2013
My condolences to Bill and the Gilliam/Kruger family for your loss. Grier was an incredible woman and I feel blessed to have known her as family. She was always supportive and accepting of anyone in need. Her smile and infectious spirit will live on in my memory. RIP Grier, you will certainly be missed.
August 17, 2013
Aunt Grier was such a loving and caring person and I feel she was the KINDEST. She loved her family, they always came first.I will always remember her for being the very best. Grier was an angel on earth and now she will be with her family in heaven....she will forever be missed and remembered. Warmly and with love, Jeanie Craver Orenstein
Betty Long
August 17, 2013
So sorry for the loss of you mother Bill JR and pf your wife BIll Sr. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty and Jimmy Long
Thurman Hawthorne
August 17, 2013
So many memories of coming down and playing basketball in the driveway and having to ask your mom if she could move the car. Always felt it made her angry but one of the best neighborhood moms that always looked out for us. Know your pain and sorrow and she will be.missed. Will keep you in our prayers.
Sandy Castellano
August 16, 2013
To my wonderful loving Aunt Grier, I will miss you so much, We all have a great angel looking over us now, and to the family my prayers are with you all.
August 16, 2013
We are sorry to hear about your loss of your mother. Our prayers are with your family.
MTT QC Dept./ HNTB
Karen Tiffany
August 16, 2013
Jeff sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Karen
Doug Lewis
August 16, 2013
Rest in peace, Mrs. Gilliam. Thanks for being one of the really special neighborhood Moms.
Ruth CrAVER
August 16, 2013
Your sister, Ruth Powers Craver wants you and your family to know how much she loved you, my mother always called your mother, Grier her "BEACH BUDDY", for she just loved to sit on the beach with her and just enjoy the weather, sand sun and family conversation....RIP, from all of us, Ruth Craver and family