Date of Birth
Nov 29,1907
Date of Death
Jun 05,2004
MARY H. (Coleman) GILLIAM, age 96 of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2004 at the Countryside Care Center, Aurora, following a recent hospitalization. She was born November 29, 1907 in Buckingham, CO, VA, the daughter of Frank and Amanda (Gregory) Coleman. On June 19, 1937, she was united in marriage to Leslie Kyle Gilliam at Appomattox, Co., VA, and they made their home on the Coleman Family farm where their son, Kenneth was born before they moved to West Virginia. There Kyle worked in the coal mines and Mary enjoyed her life as wife, mother and homemaker. She was a talented seamstress who sewed clothing for her family and enjoyed quilting, crocheting and tatting. She was a member of the Union Baptist Church where she also enjoyed teaching Sunday School. Her knowledge of the Bible was not only a source of strength but a wisdom that she could quote to others, even in later years, when her memory of the present was fleeting. In 1983, Mary and Kyle moved to Sugar Grove, IL, to be near their only son, Kenneth, his wife, Phyllis and their three children. There she continued her sewing and quilting and later created an award winning Sugar Grove Bicentennial Quilt. Though quiet and unassuming, Mary was always friendly and shared the gift of "hospitality" wherever she lived. Following Kyle’s passing in 1991, Mary continued to live in Sugar Grove until declining health required extra care. She managed the challenge and change of her recent years with grace until she went home to be with the Lord and to join her beloved Kyle. SURVIVORSIn addition to her son, Kenneth (Phyllis) Gilliam of Sugar Grove, IL, She is survived by:Three grandchildren and their families: Kenneth D. (Lisa) Gilliam II (Natalie, Kyle and Sarah) of Yorkville and Jeffrey K. (Anita) Gilliam (Kelsey, Adam and Zach), of Elburn;Mary Elizabeth (David) Scheihing (Alyssa )of Macomb, ILThe last of her generation, she leaves as well, innumerable nieces, nephews and cousins.PRECEDEDShe is preceded in death by her husband and Seven brothers, Joseph, Cyrus, Frank, Henning, Lan, Edward and Thomas Coleman.As well as two sisters, Nellie and Virginia.MEMORIALSMemorials in her name may be mailed to the family in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.
VISITATION - FUNERALLocal visitation will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2004From 2-3pm at Conley Funeral Home, Elburn where a brief prayer service will close visitation at 3pm
Mary will be laid to rest in Dillwyn, VA, at the Union Baptist Cemetery, Buckingham, CO., VA.. .The Rev. Jennings pastor of the Union Baptist Church, will officiate. Dillwyn arrangements in care of the Dunkum Funeral Home. For information call 1-800-8-CONLEY.