Dorothy Gilliam

Dorothy was born in Edgefield, SC, June 8, 1919. She was the 9th of twelve children born to Ed Ryan and Carrie Wells Ryan all of whom predeceased her. She was married to Thomas Edward Gilliam in April of 1947 in East Orange, NJ. Combined they had three children Mamie Ryan (dec. 1961), Sylvia Brown (Charles) and Rochelle Gilliam. While living in St. Pete, Dorothy unofficially adopted her daughter-in-love Patty Houston (Ernest).

Dorothy was a lover of the Lord, a faithful member of St. Mark church, an avid gardener, a tireless advocate for seniors, imprisoned women and the impoverished. She was the quintessential Matriarch, self-reliant, protective, nurturing and always willing to open her heart and home to family members in need.

Visitation will be held at the Turner Funeral Home in Spring Hill, Florida on September 3rd at 11am, funeral services officiated by Rev. Brian Brown at 12pm, followed by interment at the Florida National Cemetery at 2pm. Celebration of life with refreshments will be held at the Turner Funeral Home upon immediate return.

Memorial contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd #704, Clearwater, FL 33762, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 1301 37th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, or the Enoch D Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, in Dorothy’s honor