Yvonne Gilliam

Legacy of Life A “Jersey Girl”, who loved her “kaw-fee” (coffee) and tea, Yvonne Gilliam was born on December 4, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Wyatt Tyree Gilliam Sr. and Evelyn Gilliam. The 3rd born, Yvonne was the younger sister to Kareem Abdulghani (Wyatt Tyree Jr.), Musheer Abdulghani (Lester) and “big sis” to Adrienne. She was educated by the Elizabeth Public Schools, graduating from Edison Vocational and Technical Academy in 1972, where she took tailoring and dressmaking courses. She later pursued her post-secondary education at Union County College, while working and going to school full-time she obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science from Kean University in 1986. She began her professional career as a Computer Operator for Harmonia Savings Bank in Elizabeth, NJ. In 1988 she gave birth to her only child and beloved daughter De’Neal Evelyn Gilliam. Having accepted Christ at a young age, Yvonne made Liberty Baptist her home church until her departure, where she sang in the choir. Seeking a change of pace, Yvonne moved to Richmond, VA in September 1996. It was in Richmond that Yvonne’s relationship with Christ grew closer, she became a faithful member of Victory Tabernacle Church of Deliverance. She served on a variety of ministries at Victory like: Tender Love & Care (TLC) Ministry, welcoming new and prospective members, Fish and Loaves, where dinners were prepared for the community, and even sang in the church choir. A true giver, it never bothered her to dedicate her to time and energy when it came to others. In 2000, Yvonne began her journey with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), initially starting as a Contact Representative until she eventually landed a position back in the IT Department. During her time with the Service, she joined several employee organizations, such the Association for the Improvement of Minorities (AIM-IRS), Christ Favorite Internal Revenue Employee (CFIRE), a favorite highlight of hers was singing Christmas Carols around the building during the holidays, lastly, she served as a New Employee Ambassador, helping new hires get acclimated to the public sector. She will always be remembered as being very relentless and having strong faith, Yvonne always knew that without a shadow of a doubt “God will provide”. She retired from the service in 2017 with pursuits of travel and just reclaiming her time. Her favorite hobbies were arts and crafts, she was also a participant in Sport tables, where she learned the fundamentals of sports for incapacitated individuals. She was excellent at archery, bocci ball and swimming. Traveling was also a favorite pastime of hers, she got the opportunity to visit many places during her life and was very adamant about making familial connections. Although she couldn’t get everywhere at one time, with the help of De’Neal, she made it where she needed to be. She adored her family and was very intent on staying connected to them and enjoyed returning back to Richmond with wonderful stories about their events and times together. She is preceded in death by her parents Wyatt Tyree Gilliam, Sr. and Evelyn Gilliam; and two brothers, Kareem Abdulghani and George Rush. Yvonne leaves to mourn her daughter, De’Neal Gilliam; sister, Adrienne Gilliam; two brothers, Musheer Abdulghani and Darryl Petterway; a godson, Quadir McCrae; three goddaughters, Jamila Kennedy, Antionette McCray and LaShea Hill; the Lawrence Family and George Family; a lifetime friend, Aisha Muhummad (Denise Hopson); her adored nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

Tributes

Yvonne Gilliam

December 4, 1954 - November 6, 2023