Shirley Gilliam

Shirley Gilliam, born on April 13, 1937 in Livingston, KY to Walter and Stella Morris, passed away peacefully in her home on March 27, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family. She proudly grew up in Pine Hill, KY and graduated salutatorian from Livingston High School in 1956 where she met her great love, Kenneth Brown Gilliam. They were joined in marriage on October 26, 1956 in Jellico, TN, and remained happily married for 66 years. They split their time between Lamaro, KY and Louisville, KY, before settling in London, KY to raise their family. Her family was one of her proudest and dearest accomplishments. She was a devoted and faithful member of Hart Baptist Church in London, KY for 48 years, where she loved to sing in the choir. She loved her church family and always looked forward to meeting with her Sunday school class or attending choir practice. Of all the titles she held, “grandmother” was one of her favorites and the one she held most dear. She loved attending tennis matches and dance competitions, and became known as “Mamaw” to so many over the years. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Stella Morris, brothers Linzie (Hazel) Morris, Fred (Sally) Morris, and sisters Dorothy (Arlie) Renner, Virgie (Harold) Kelley, and Pauline (Reuben) Hammond. She is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth B. Gilliam, son Kenneth David (Debbie) Gilliam, daughter Felicia (Todd) Collette, and grandchildren Kenneth Brian Gilliam, Lyndsay Shaye Collette, and Kaylyn Raye Collette, as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Shirley Gilliam will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Hart Baptist Church in London, Kentucky with Dr. Terrell Bradley and Tim Kelley officiating. Burial will follow at Red Hill Community Cemetery in Livingston, Kentucky. The pallbearers will be Kenneth David Gilliam, Robert Todd Collette, Kenneth Brian Gilliam, Tim Kelley and Steve Gilliam. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Kelley, Danny Morris, Roger Morris, Jimmy Morris, Eddie Jones and Wayne Gilliam. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 30, 2023 beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the funeral hour also at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a love offering be made in Shirley’s name to Hart Baptist Church. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Shirley Gilliam

April 13, 1937 - March 27, 2023