Rebecca R Gilliam

Mother Rebecca Saint Clair Rogers Gilliam was born November 1, 1931, in Carlisle, West Virginia to David Crockett Christian and Savannah Robinson Christian. She was one of ten children; Joyce, Odessa, Charles, Joe Louis, Daisy Mae, Mary, Aaron, Frank, and Donnell who all preceded her in death. In later years, the family moved to Mount Hope, West Virginia, where they established a produce and poultry farm.

Mother Rebecca was joined in holy matrimony to the late Windell O. Rogers April 13, 1952. The couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio and were blessed with the births of Windell II, Paulyette, Salynthe (deceased), Steve (deceased) and Phillip. She later married Roger Gilliam (deceased). To this union, Jules was born. Mother Rebecca was known to have a strict hand in raising her children. She instilled the value of a good education and excellence in professional pursuits. These opportunities were denied to her as a young woman growing up in a southern state. She taught her children to seek knowledge, be clean, self-sufficient and to trust God.

In addition to raising her family, Mother Rebecca found time to pursue her own interests. She attended stenography school and later worked as a stenographer. She enrolled in dental assistant training and subsequently worked as a dental assistant. Mother Rebecca also studied at Jane Addams School of Practical Nursing. She loved to travel, especially accompanied by her children and other family members. Some of her favorites include cruising, visiting California and Florida. Mother Rebecca was a lifelong learner; she kept abreast of current news events; read the newspapers daily and became skilled in completing crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

In 1974, Mother Rebecca Gilliam she was led of the Lord to worship Him as a Seventh Day Adventist. She was regarded as a helpful, cheerful servant. Mother Gilliam mentored many young ladies in the Word of God, as well as practical homemaking skills. She dedicated her remaining years to studying and learning bible principles and living according to the Word. She often reminded others to “get right with God because we are living in the last of the last days.” Later in life, she began her career as a social worker. By completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work at Capitol University in Columbus, Ohio and receiving certification in 1992, Mother Rebecca became one of the first state-certified social workers in Ohio.

Those who remain to cherish her memory: sons Windell (Clinton MD), Phillip (Carileen) (Brandon, FL), Jules (Cleveland, OH); daughter Paulyette (Farmington Hills, MI); brother Jerry (Margo) (Cleveland, OH); three grandsons; three granddaughters; one great-grandson; two great-granddaughters; cousins and other wonderful family members and friends. Special daughters Dariel Powell (Taylor, MI) and Kandice Bland (Cleveland, OH). And of course, her brothers and sisters at the Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she served for many years. The family extends special thanks to the staff at Grande Pointe Nursing of Richmond Heights, Ohio, notably Vanessa Purnell. Thank you to Hospice of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio for their support during this time of transition. Much appreciation to Robert Wintz, Denise Neal, Kristen Nagel, Michelle Watson, and Dorothy Stocker.