MABEL LEE GILLIAM

Mabel Lee (Dunn) Gilliam was born October 28, 1928, as the twelfth of thirteen children born to Linton and Cecilia (Henderson) Dunn in
Hearne Texas. She received her early education in the Robertson
County public school system, graduating from Blackshire High School.
Mabel also attended Prairie View College in Texas. In 1948 she met and
married Brazil Gilliam, her loving and devoted husband of 59 years.
Also, in 1948 the couple moved to San Diego California, were they lived
in the Dells and Frontier neighborhoods before settling in Linda Vista.
Four children were born to this union; Beverly, Deborah, (Babe), Artice,
and Judith.
She accepted Christ at an early age and worshiped at Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Hearne until she moved to San Diego
were she immediately joined Bethal AME in 1949. There Mabel
faithfully served on various boards and ministries. In her earlier years
she served in the Ladie’s Guild, and in the capacity of Captain or Co –
Captain for Annual Women’s Days. Mabel also served on the Usher
board from 1949 until the late Nineties when she was no longer
physically able to do so. She was very proud to have been consecrated.
Pastor Anthony L. Hughes. She served as a Deaconess until one week
prior to her passing.
Mabel intimately engaged in her children’s lives as they grew. She was
active in the PTA, and was both a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader.
She never missed an open house, theatrical or choral performance. And
she was Artice’s greatest cheerleader because she attended every one
of his baseball, football and basketball games.

Mabel went to work for General Dynamics Convair  in 1955. She
returned to school to train as a nurse before she was hired by the
county of San Diego as a Geriatric Licensed Vocational Nurse at the
Edgemore Hospital, later she was employed as a United States Postal 
Service Clerk for over 40 years. After retirement Mabel briefly served 
as an Ombudsman for Alzheimer’s patients.
Mabel was a great homemaker and although she was not a seamstress,
she made many of the dresses for her two older girls in their early
years. She was known for her own impeccable sense of style and
fashion. In her senior years she enjoyed singing Soprano in her senior
adult community choir, and going to lunch with her ladies second
Monday Lunch Club.
“Mother Gilliam”, as she was affectionately known by at Bethel, was loved
and adored by everyone she came in contact with. She was a soft -
spoken lady, full of grace, elegance, and wisdom. She exemplified
Proverbs 14:1 which states; “The wise woman builds her house on a
foundation of Godly precepts, and her household thrives”, and
Proverbs 31:21 “she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands
to the needy.”
Mother Gilliam fulfilled her God given purpose here on earth and
on Sunday September 22, 2024 The Lord came to carry her home. She was
preceded in death by; her parents, her twelve siblings, her beloved
husband Brazil, her daughter Judith Gilliam – Rolle, her
granddaughter Tiffani Downes, and her Grandson Sage Evans. 
Left to cherish her memory  are her children; Beverly Gilliam, Deborah
Babe Evans (Arthur), and Artice Gilliam (Shirelle);
Grandchildren Zachary Cross(Tajahnee), David Cross (Deborah), 
Ogadae Evans(Brittany Cash), Stephani Downes, Artice Gilliam II
and Aaron Gilliam (Elise); Great Grandchildren Arella Mikhail (Richard) 
, Gianina Dixon, Kennedy, Morgan, and Vaughan Cross,
Sophia, Layla, Mariah and Ava Gilliam, Aden, Austin, Mason, and
Camron Gilliam; C.J. Perry, Syrus and Zyair Evans; great-great
grandchildren Jonathon Mendoza, Jocelyn and Richard Mikhail, Jr, and
Rhea Scales; cousin Mary Ethel Ard; as well as many loving nieces, nephews,
and Bethel A.M.E. Church family and friends to mourn the loss yet celebrate her legacy.

Then Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
then I shall bow, in humble adoration
and then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art....

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