Mrs. Eula V. Gilliam, 78, passed away at WFH-All Saints on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

She was born in Saltillo, MS on December 6, 1933, the daughter of the late James and Emma Jean (nee: Bobo) Lockridge.  On October 28, 1950, she married Willie B. Gilliam in Tupelo, MS.  He preceded her in death on April 5, 1978.

Mrs. Gilliam moved to Racine in 1950.  She worked as a nurse's aide for 28 years, retiring after her husband's death in 1978.   Upon moving to Racine she joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  Later she joined Second Missionary Baptist for 30 years under the leadership of Rev. Mack C. Davis.  Finally, she moved to Christ Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. William Lofton.  Mrs. Gilliam sang with both the Second Missionary Baptist Gospel Chorus, the Heavenly Voices Quartet and was a member of the Queen Esther Court #40 Heroines of Jericho in Tupleo, MS.  She enjoyed word search puzzles, cooking and watching Oprah, Dr. Phil and soap operas.

Her survivors include her devoted children, son, Ardis Gilliam of Tupelo, MS, daughter, Daris (Willie) Hodges of Racine; daughter-in-law, Norma Gilliam; grandchildren, LaVonda Cobb, Wanda Neal, Darian Gilliam, Marcus (Racquel) Hodges, Cornelious (Keisha) Gilliam, Darishawn Hodges all of Racine, Vernekie (Tim) Crump of Memphis, TN, Ardarian Gilliam, Ardis Gilliam, II and Bianca Gilliam all of Tupelo, MS, Timothy Gilliam of New Albany, MS; 33 great grandchildren, including Rece Carter and Malia Hodges; brother, James (Maggie) Lockridge of Beloit, sister, Mary (Cleveland) Cornelious of Racine; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Lockridge, Corrine (Jimmie) McWhorter, Zannie McClain, Pearl Harris and Willie Mae Gilliam all of Racine; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Daria Gilliam; sisters, Marjorie Montgomery, Mary Louise Judon; brother, Jodie Lockridge, Sr. and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lillie and Willie Gilliam, Sr.

Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church (1120 Grand Ave.) on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 11:00 am for the celebration of Eula's life and Homegoing with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Her interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.  There will be a visitation in the church on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

The Gilliam and Hodges families would like to thank Ridgewood Heath Care Center, and the entire staff at WFH-All Saints for the loving care that was provided for their mother, grandmother and sister. May God Bless all of you.