With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life and heavenly homegoing of Gladys Mae Thomas Gilliam, a faithful servant of God, who peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on September 5, 2026. Born on November 24, 1930, in Emporia, Virginia, to William Thomas and Polly Perkins Thomas, Gladys was one of ten children and grew up wrapped in the love of her father, Papa and her grandmother, grandma Ann Thomas, after her mother passed away during her youth. From these deep roots she learned resilience, humility and devotion to God.

Gladys graduated from Greensville County Training School before following God's direction to Baltimore, Maryland, where her steps were ordered to meet her lifelong partner. Calvin B. Gilliam. Together they built a blessed union, sharing over 60 years of marriage until Calvin's passing in 2011. Their marriage was a testament to God's faithfulness and love and from it came their two cherished children, Angela and Christopher Gilliam.   

Gladys was a naturally gifted seamstress whose eye for style and talent with a needle and thread revealed itself at an early age. While still in grade school, she designed and made her very own two-piece suit remembered as " the sharpest suit you've ever seen." She proudly entered the suit into a contest and won Best Dressed.

But her true labor was for the Lord. For more than 60 years, Gladys was a devoted and faithful member of David Memorial Baptist Church (New David Baptist). When she and her husband purchased their home on Decker Avenue in East Baltimore, she envisioned a safe place where families could thrive. Trusting God and serving her neighbors, she founded the Berea Neighborhood Association more than 50 years ago, committing herself to creating a cleaner, safer and stronger community.

Preceding her in glory are her beloved husband Calvin B. Gilliam; her grandson, Nathaniel Higgs III; and eight of her siblings.

Her legacy continues through her children, Angela Gilliam and Christopher Gilliam; her grandchildren; Latesha Higgs- Pittman (Joshua) and great-grandchild Elijah; Artez Gilliam and great-grandchildren, Shayla and Brooklyn; April Scott (Formane) and great-grandchildren Ryan, Nyla, Kyle and Kyra; Chardey Gilliam and great-grandchildren, Diyari and Dy'lan. She is also survived by her brother, William Thomas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, church family and friends who loved her dearly.