Winston Bernard Gilliam

Winston Bernard Gilliam,born in Chesterfield County on October 21, 1942,he was the second oldest son of Erner V. Mason Gilliam and the late Herbert F. Gilliam,Sr.On June 6, 1963,he married the love on his life,Arletha Bassett,and to this union they were blessed with two daughters,Artrice Phenoris and Holly Lateasha.He was a life long member of the Union Branch Baptist Church,where he served faithfully in the following capacities to include:the Diaconate Board;the Senior Ministry,the Men's Ministry,the Cancer Support Ministry,the Memorial Committee,the Teller Committee,and served as former president of the Combined Choir for over 10 years;and was a member of the Male Chorus,just to name a few. Winston Bernard was educated in the Chesterfield County Public School system. He was a 1962 graduate of the Carver High School. He continued his education and earned the following certificates and degrees:Certificate in Electricity from Virginia State College School of Industries;a four year Certificate of Completion in Industry Electronics from Bell and Howell through Brown and Williamson;a two year Certificate from Richmond Technical School in Electronics.He earned his degree as a licensed Barber/Stylist from the Richmond Barber School. He continued his studies in the Cosmetology field by earning an Associate Bachelors,Associate Masters and an Associate Doctorate of Art of Beauty Culture by the National Institute of Cosmetology,a Division of the National Beauty Culturist's LeagueInc.,of Washington,D.C. with some study at Dillard University,New Orleans,Louisiana and Chicago State University,Chicago,Illinois.Winston Bernard was first employed with Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company for over 23 years,and then with Reynolds Metals Company,retiring in 2003. He also owned and operated Arletha Bernardo's Hair Care Center,along with his wife. Together they retired from the business August 31,2008. Winston had a great love for the outdoors where he spent most of his leisure time beautifying his yard and garden. He especially loved fishing and hunting in which he was a long time member of the Salisbury Hunting Club of Surry County,Virginia.He departed this earthly life Thursday,January 29, 2009 at his residence in Ettrick,Virginia. Although,his sweet spirit,smile and gentle words will be greatly missed,we know that he is resting in the bosom of Christ,where joy is eternal. In addition to his father,he was preceded in death by a brother Eugene D. Gilliam,Sr. and his father and mother-in-law,Robert and Goldie Bassett,Sr.He leaves to cherish his memory and to celebrate his life his devoted and loving wife of 45 years,Arletha Bassett Gilliam;two daughters.Artrice(Lt. Col. Willie)Harris and Holly Gilliam(Orlando);three grandchildren,Jyree,Arbrianna and William;his mother Erner V. Mason Gilliam ;two sisters,Erna G. Robinson and Gwendolyn B. Cofield;six brothers,Herbert Jr.(Clarissa),William (Joanne),Calvin(Diane),Lester(Pamela),Melvin(Robin)and Marvin,Sr.(Patricia)Gilliam;three god children;Zubaidah Bassett Allen,Leslie Gilliam and Matthew Lewis;a cousin who was like a brother,Roosevelt N.(Margene)Lewis;nine sisters-in-law:Julia C. Gilliam,Joyce(Timothy)Lewis,Louise Bassett,Juanita(Mack)Harvey,Cathy(David Sr.)Branch,Goldie Miller,Betty(Gary Sr.)Shelton,Sandra(Melvin) Walton and Kimberly Bassett;two brothers-in-law;Clarence(Joyce)Bassett,Sr. and Robert(Dimple)Bassett,Jr.;a devoted cousin/care giver,Brenda Coles; and a host of nieces,nephews,cousins,other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Winston Bernard Gilliam

October 21, 1942 - January 29, 2009