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MSBC Media PlayerMedia Center
MSBCOC | In Remembrance
Deacon James L. Gilliard
August 25, 1925 - June 30, 1997
James Lonnie
Gilliard, son of Sylvester and Rosa Gilliard, was born on August 25, 1925 in
Hartwell County, Georgia. He was educated in the public schools of Hartwell and
was graduated from the Hartwell County Training School on May 23, 1944.
Following graduation James enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as
a Steward's Mate First Class. After being honorably discharged from the Navy,
James enrolled in Morristown College, from which he subsequently received a
Liberal Arts Degree. He then began a teaching career in the Hartswell County
School System.
In August 1963, Mr. Gilliard left Georgia and moved to Baltimore, Maryland to assist his brother, Hugh Gilliard, in raising seven children (the youngest of whom was two years old) following the death of Hugh's wife, Mamie L. Gilliard. Upon settling in Baltimore, Mr. Gilliard did some substitute teaching in the Baltimore City School System and was later employed with the Mitchell Fur Company. However, his primary concern was caring for his nieces and nephews, whom he adored. Mr. Gilliard never became a biological father but was both mother and father to these children. Throughout his lifetime, he delighted in all children as much as they did in him.
Mr. Gilliard joined the Morning Star Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Nathaniel Wicks and served on many of the church's ministries. His church affiliations included: Director of the Baptist Training Union; Sunday School Teacher and member of the Board of Trustees, Social Committee and Men's Fellowship. He had a melodious singing voice as evidenced by his membership in the Sanctuary Choir, George Jacob Garnett Memorial Male Chorus and Samuel Ray Revival Choir and his numerous solo parts. Under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Samuel Ray, Mr. Gilliard was ordained Deacon. He took seriously his responsibilities as a Deacon and always manifested behavior and demeanor worthy of his calling. Deacon Gilliard was a beacon of light that brightened the darkness in men's lives. He looked for and found the good in everyone, comforted and encouraged the downtrodden, was always willing to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed and forsook his own needs as he sacrificed for others.
It is especially significant in today's society of irresponsibility and superficiality that we pay tribute to one of Morning Star Baptist Church of Christ's true servants, Deacon James L. Gilliard, and remember his walk among us.
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