Ms. Rosa B. Gilliam

Rosa Gilliam was born September 20, 1938, to the late David and Lizzie Mae Benjamin. She was the eldest of seven children. Rosa departed this earthly life on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Rosa, affectionately known as “Benjie”, “Rosa G”, and “Momma G”, was educated in the public schools of Richland County and was a proud graduate of C. A. Johnson High School. She went on to become a graduate of Benedict College.

Rosa became an educator with Richland County School District One where she was awarded “Teacher of the Year 1991-1992” by the faculty of Denny Terrace Elementary School. She was also recognized by the Board of Directors of V. V. Reid Elementary School in 1998 for her excellent service rendered to their youth. Rosa was also a member of Avant Guard and Jack and Jill of America and was a donor to various charitable organizations. Rosa was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Rosa met and married the love of her life, Jesse Lewis Gilliam, and from their union two children were born, Lewis and Kerry. She was a kind, generous, reserved and very observant individual who possessed an incredible amount of patience. She had an infectious laugh and truly enjoyed her family and friends. One of Rosa’s favorite pastimes was playing Bridge, a game she loved dearly.

In addition to her parents, Rosa was preceded in death by her siblings, Shirley Nelson, Floyd Benjamin, and Johnny Benjamin.

Rosa leaves to cherish her precious memories her two sons, Lewis (Jesse) Gilliam and Kerry Gilliam; one grandson, Yuri Alexander Palmer Gilliam, who she loved dearly; three sisters, Maxine (Louis) Anderson, Carolyn Benjamin, and Betty Nixon all of Columbia, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies….her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

-Proverbs 31:10,28

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