Erner Virginia Mason Gilliam

The Legacy of Mrs. Erner Virginia Mason Gilliam “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Mrs. Erner Virginia Mason Gilliam went from labor to reward after an extended illness on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the Hopewell Healthcare Center, Hopewell, VA. The life of a great woman began September 29, 1919, in Chesterfield, Virginia, the youngest of five children entered the world to the late William Thomas and Augusta Boisseau Mason. Erner attended D. Webster Davis High School, Chesterfield, Virginia. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Union Branch Baptist Church, Chesterfield, Virginia. She served for many years as treasurer and member of the Missionary Ministry, member of the Senior Choir, Senior Ushers Ministry, Pastor’s Aide Ministry, Senior’s Ministry, and a member of the District Rural Convention. In 2004, Erner was recognized for her perseverance and faithfulness to God and to Union Branch Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. David L. Chapman and was the oldest living member of the church. Erner was presented the 1992 Finer Womenhood Community Pearl Award on March 21, 1992 by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., The Alpha Omega Zeta Chapter. On July 24, 1940, Erner married the love of her life, Herbert F. Gilliam, Sr. Together they celebrated 62 years of marriage until Herbert transitioned in 2002. Erner and Herbert’s union was blessed with ten children; two daughters and eight sons. She was an immaculate homemaker. You always could find her singing her favorite hymns of the church while preparing meals or doing laundry. Erner stayed home raising her children until all ten became of school age and later became employed in the housekeeping department of Virginia State College (University) and Petersburg General (Southside Regional Hospital). In addition to her husband, Erner was preceded in death by her sons, Eugene D. Gilliam, Sr. and Winston B. Gilliam; grandson, Luther Gilliam, great granddaughters, Zariah Harris and Autumn Cook-Robinson; great-grandson, Montel Pugh, Jr.; great-great grandson, Nehemiah Gilliam; brothers, Welton, Lawrence and Vandy B. Mason; and her sister, Goldie Mason-Lewis-Gilliam-Parham. Erner leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her legacy, eight children: Herbert F. (Clarissa) Gilliam, Jr. of Newport News, VA; William R. (Joanne) Gilliam, Sr. of North Chesterfield, VA; Erna G. Robinson of Chesterfield VA; Calvin F. (Diane) Gilliam, Sr. of Macon, GA; Lester R. (Pamela) Gilliam of Manassas, VA; Gwendolyn G. Cofield of Dalzell, SC; Melvin L. (Robin) Gilliam of Chester, VA and Marvin L. (Patricia) Gilliam, Sr. of South Chesterfield, VA; two daughters-in-love, Arletha B. Gilliam of South Chesterfield, VA and Julia C. Gilliam of Chesterfield, VA; thirty grandchildren, fifty-nine great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Erner Virginia Mason Gilliam

September 29, 1919 - June 25, 2016