Susie C. Gilliam

February 15, 1919 - June 27, 2015


Mother Susie Cargill Gilliam was born on February 15, 1919 to the late James Howard Cargill and Martha Cargill. From this union were five daughters,  (Susie, Elsie, Annie Mae, Rosa and Jane) and one son, (Sam), which all have gone on home to be with the Lord.

At the age of 13, Mother Susie confessed Christ at the Easter Baptist Church (Highway 35) after being baptized in “The Nottoway River” (Old Forty Road) by Reverend Page. Mother Gilliam then became a member of the New Hope Baptist Church where she remained as a member for 83 years until her death.

On February 15, 1938, Mother Gilliam married the late Isaac Gilliam. Isaac went home to be with the Lord in 1975. They were married for 37 years. From this union were seven (7) children: James, Lewis (Ruth), Ann, Eddie (Starr), Willie, Betty (Jerome) and Ellen (John), Willie went home to be with the Lord in 2010.

Mother Gilliam has thirteen Grandchildren, nine Great Grandchildren, ten Great-Great Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mother Gilliam employment during her lifetime was in housekeeping in various homes in the community. She was employed with the Sussex County Health Department for over 25 years as a Janitor. Mother Gilliam was also a Janitor at the New Hope Baptist church for over 20 years (“assumed Deacon James Cargill position after his declining health”).

Mother Gilliam held many positions in the church; which included Children Sunday School teacher, secretary for the Sunday School, and served on the Usher Board for over 50 years.

Member of the Tent and Order of The Eastern Star for over 30 years, volunteer with the 4-H Club, when meetings and outings were held in the “2-Room School” that was adjacent to the “original New Hope Baptist church”, member of the Busy Bee Missionary Circle where she served as Chaplain until her death, volunteer for the American Red Cross and was a member of the Jarratt Senior Citizens Organization (Jarratt, VA).

Mother Gilliam lived a long and full life; influencing and touching many with her words of wisdom and advice.

A Service Celebrating her life will be held on Friday July 3, 2015 at 1p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Waverly, with the Rev. H. Patrick Cason, officiating. Burial will follow at the Cargill Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening July 2, 2015 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 South Sycamore Street, Petersburg. (804)-863-4411.

Susie C.'s Guestbook


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