Ruby Gilliam

GILLIAM WINSTON-SALEM - Ruby Gilliam, affectionately called "Aunt Ruby" or "Nurse" departed this life early Wednesday morning, November 18, 2009 at the Oaks at Forsyth where she had been a resident for a number of years. She was the last survivor and the youngest of ten children born on July 1, 1910 to Cora Jarvis Gilliam and Anthony Scorefield Gilliam. Upon the death of her parents, as a young child, she left the Shoals Community in Surry County and was brought to live with an aunt, Laura Simmons and the Columbus Pitts family. Her formative years were spent in the Happy Hill Community where she attended the local public school. She graduated from the Columbia Heights High School and furthered her education by attending the R. L. Richardson School of Nursing in Greensboro, NC and in 1933 graduated as Class Valedictorian. Nurse Gilliam served in the medical office of Drs. Quick, Meroney, and Jordan. Later, she served as head nurse in the Emergency Room at Kate Bitting Memorial Hospital until she retired in 1970. In 1948, she married Daniel Pervis, the love of her life, who preceded her in death. Although they had no children of their own, Ruby and Dan dearly loved having children around and keeping them encouraged. Ruby loved being involved at her church and loved to tell the story of being baptized in the creek. She also served for many years as president of the United Methodist Women, yet, found time to teach Practical Nursing in programs held at Atkins High School. Survivors include: a dedicated, surrogate niece, Maurice Pitts Johnson; nieces, Ruth Spease, Mildred Spann, and Awilda (Robert) Neal, all of this city; Ruth Leigh and Lucy Gilliam Smith, Salisbury, NC and Clara Gilliam Nichelson, Charlotte, NC; nephews, Ezra (Marion) Gilliam, Salisbury, NC Calvin Gilliam, Sylmar, CA, and Grant Nathaniel (Jelaine) Gilliam, Durham, NC. Other loving family include great nieces, Geraldine Clayton, Dorothy Draper, and Krista Neal; and a great nephew, Alvin (Janice) Gibson of this city. Funeral Services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church. The Rev. John F. Epps will officiate and interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Andrews United Methodist Church, 1840 Butler Street, WS, NC 27107. Online condolences may be received at www.hooperfuneralhome.net.