Priscilla Gilliam

Priscilla A. Gilliam was the youngest of seven children born to the late Ardelia and Alonzo McLeod Sr. on October 27, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland where she resided until she received her wings for eternal rest on August 22, 2020. Throughout her life, she was the beloved baby sister of Magaline, Christine, Alonzo Jr. (deceased), Edith, Joseph and Preston (deceased). At an early age Priscilla was baptized and accepted Christ as her personal Savior at New Shiloh Baptist Church located on W. Lanvale and N. Fremont Avenue. She was called Scilla for short by many family members and close friends. However, she was also affectionately known as "Mama" by her grandchildren Lil' Troy, Jaiden and Torey. As a child she spent many summers at the birthplace of her parents in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Priscilla was educated in the Baltimore City School System and graduated from Western High School in 1971, where she continued her lifelong friendship with fellow Western Dove Shirley Bolding. Priscilla was a talented communicator, drawing on her love of literature and inspirational quotes from her English classes at Western High. Priscilla was introduced to her Hot Rod- driving future husband Henry by their mutual friend Faye. They were eventually united in holy matrimony on April 17, 1978 in the family home at 1024 N. Payson Street. Together they raise two sons Troy and Phillip in their Monastery Avenue home of more than 40 years. She was well liked and respected in her neighborhood. While her children were young Priscilla preferred to work close to home, so she employment as a Dentist Receptionist, Lottery Machine agent and staff member at UMBC. Family has always been important to Priscilla and she loved everyone dearly. Her sisters would try to get together for luncheons at least once a year. The McLeod siblings and their spouses sometimes started off the New Year having breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Spending time, conversations and memories with Priscilla was a delight, and you wind up staying hours, much longer than expected. She would watch you to the car and say, "call me when you get in". If you forgot and did not call, she would call you to make sure you made it in safely. Whenever possible she would try to attend graduations, proms, birthday parties, showers and all types of celebrations. Priscilla always had a listening ear to offer love and encouragement during the ups and downs in one's life. She LOVED HARD, was honest, funny, and loyal. She also enjoyed the Ravens, a good movie, a good meal and something sweet to eat. Priscilla enjoyed cooking Sunday meals for her family. She also spent holiday meals and special times with Keia, Raven, Brittany and Gerald. Priscilla enjoyed her occasional visits to Providence Baptist Church pastored by Rev. Douglass Summers and more recently would view church services online. As Scilla struggled with several illnesses she would still take Holy Communion at home as a memorial of Christ's death and as a symbol of her respect and faith. She was a fighter and just recently God said enough and sent His angels to carry her home to eternal life in paradise. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her loving and devoted husband, Henry Gilliam; two sons, Troy Moore Sr. and Phillip Gilliam; grandchildren, Troy Moore Jr, Jaiden Gilliam and Torey Moore; sisters, Magaline M. Jones, Christine Arrington, Edith (Henry) Baines and one brother, Joseph (Brenda) McLeod; In-laws, Margaret Gilliam and Myrtle Gilliam of Ellwood, Georgia, Johnny Gilliam and Benny Gilliam of Brooklyn, New York; uncle, Eddie Dee McLeod; aunts, Willie Mae McElheney and Mary Lee Stubbs of Bennettsville, South Carolina; devoted nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Priscilla Gilliam

October 27, 1953 - August 22, 2020