Shirley A. Gilliam

On a small family farm nestled in the New Prospect Church Community in Southern Weakley County, Shirley Smith Gilliam was born on October 18, 1935.  Her parents, Clyde Raymond Smith and Lena Estelle Smith owned that farm until 1971, when Shirley and her beloved husband of 72 years, Marvin Gilliam purchased the home and a portion of the farm.  The Lord called Shirley from this earthly home to be at home with Him in heaven on February 17, 2026.  Before purchasing the family homeplace, they lived in the community of Christmasville, Tn.  and in Michigan.

Marvin and Shirley eloped to be married in1953.  They had three daughters, of which one was a stillborn infant.

Shirley gave her heart and soul to the Lord in her early adult years.  She strived daily to witness for Him and serve Him.  She was a devoted member of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church near her home until health problems prevented her from attending.  She loved her church family. She was faithful, along with her daughters, in attending church.  She loved to share Jesus with anyone she met.

Shirley was very crafty and quick with her hands.  This ability allowed her to be good in her jobs and the crafts that she enjoyed doing so much.  She strived for excellence in anything she attempted.  She loved to crochet, sew, quilt, paint, work in the garden alongside Marvin, and bake for others.  

She leaves behind her loving husband, Marvin Gilliam,  two daughters, Teresa (Ron) Jackson of Martin, Tn, and Janie (Bob) Blomker of Springville, TN.  Four grandsons, Logan Ross of Columbia, SC, ; Justin Essary of Paris, TN; Seth Essary of Mesa, AZ; and Cameron Ross of Gleason, TN.  She was blessed with one great granddaughter-Emerson Essary.

She also leaves behind one brother, Ellis Smith, a sister, Brenda Stafford both of Greenfield, Tn.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clay L. Smith and Billy W. Smith, her parents, Clyde and Estelle Smith, and an infant daughter Thresia K Gilliam.

Services for Shirley are as follows :  Williams Funeral Home are in charge of the services

                                                        Visitation:  Saturday 4-7

                                                        Visitation:  Sunday 12-2 with the funeral to follow at 2

                                                        Burial:  New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery