- Date Of Birth: June 27, 1938
- Date Of Death: August 7, 2020
- State: Maryland
Mary Ellen Camilla Shellman Gilliam (affectionately known as “Mary Ellen”) was born in Savannah, Georgia on June 27, 1938. Mary Ellen, was introduced to her devoted husband of 57 years, Freddie Gilliam (also known as “Bobby”), by her sister-in law, Anna Berry (also known as Doll). Her precious husband unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on May 2, 2015.
Mary and Bobby were married on March 22, 1958, they were blessed with three daughters, Vanessa, Vanetta, and DeAnna (the girls). Mary (and Bobby) have and were blessed to have many family and extended family members, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends such as: Loretta Jones, Mother Avis Johnson, Gladys Harmon, Peggy Staley, & Edith Macon.
As a young girl, Mary grew up in Georgia prior to moving to Florida (at the age of 4) to temporarily live with an adoptive mother (cousin, Jeanette Folson) before moving to New York (at the age of 12) to join her birth mother, Beatrice Shellman. It was quite a transition moving from a rural setting to the big city, namely New York. She never complained although she moved to various households within the foster care system. Mary always considered herself blessed and knew that God had good plans for her life, Jeremiah 29:11.
Mary was introduced to the Lord by a friend, Gladys Harmon, who later became one of her best friends. While living in New York City, Mary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized in water and subsequently in the Holy Spirit at Refuge Temple on June 13, 1968. Following the dedication of her life to God. Mary encouraged her family and friends to enjoy and accept a closer walk with the Lord.
Mary and Bobby lived in Manhattan before moving to the north Bronx where they purchased their first home. They lived near Co-Op City for 5 years. They moved to New York’s suburbs after visualizing the educational opportunities that awaited their daughters.
In the Fall of 1973, Mary and Bobby moved to Westbury, N.Y. and found their second home in the most unusual way. When driving through Long Island, Bobby took an exit ramp, and arbitrarily decided to follow the car directly in front of them. When the driver stopped in front of his home, Mary encouraged Bobby to “get out of the car and ask a question.” Not knowing what to ask, Dad said “do you know anyone who might be selling their home in this neighborhood.” Of course, the driver, replied, “Yes, I am.” The rest is history. The family then moved to Westbury, N.Y., and lived there until Mary and Bobby retired to Maryland in 1998.
Mary worshiped the Lord with her life and her deeds, not simply her words. She shared her experiences with others, young women and men, modeling the love of Jesus Christ. She was a living epistle of God’s word. She counseled young women and assisted them as they navigated their way through difficult situations. Although she had a difficult childhood, she saw herself as a blessed child of God. She knew that she could do all things through Christ who strengthened her. She was a strong, yet quiet warrior.
Mary also believed in being fully prepared to work for the Lord. She valued education and was able to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in 1983 from State University of NY @ Old Westbury, prior to earning a Master of Education Degree in 1985, in early childhood education, from Adelphi University in New York. She attended college along with her daughters, and often carried higher grade point averages than they were able to maintain. She and her daughter, Vanetta, graduated with a Master’s Degree simultaneously. It was a highlight of her educational pursuits, a dream come true.
In addition to teaching in public or private educational settings, Mary also sang in the Refuge Temple Radio Choir, taught Sunday School and/or Bible Study classes at Beulah Church (Brooklyn) , Refuge Temple (New York City) and Highland Church (Jamaica, N.Y.). She also sponsored Christian retreats to the Pocono Mountains, wherein those in attendance could honestly share personal matters on their hearts; could freely accept the Lord, receive the Holy Spirit; and pray for deliverance or healing. What was said in the Poconos, stayed in the Poconos.
Mary loved working with children. The sight of a child always caused a broad smile to brighten her face. She often referred to children as ‘SPICES’ This acronym meant children needed Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Educational and Social Opportunities in order to thrive. She was blessed to successfully operate and/or implement licensed day care centers at Rochdale Village Nursery School, in New York and subsequently, at Immanuel’s Church in Silver Spring, Maryland prior to retiring as Day Care Director at Immanuel’s in 2007.
While living in New York, Mary and Bobby invited a local preacher, Pastor Cecile Ward and his wife, to start a weekly prayer service in our Westbury, N.Y. home. The response was so wonderful that the prayer service later included a weekly bible study. Eventually the bible study led to a Sunday Worship service started in the basement of 23 Frances Drive. Yes, Mary and Bobby officially planted a church in their Westbury, N.Y. home.
Mary was an inspirational and influential speaker. She was honest yet, gentle as she shared some of her childhood challenges. For example, as a child she would mix flour and water to cook in an easy bake oven – just to survive. She made an art out of taking lemons tossed her way and daring to make delicious lemonade.
She inspired her daughter, Vanetta, to take acting lessons and to create a ministry called “Camille the Christian Clown.” This ministry was named in honor of Mary Ellen as it teaches little children (especially minority children) to accept the beauty of the image God has created them in and how to trust the Lord through challenges. She inspired her daughter, Deanna, to create a successful day care center prior to becoming a special educator. Finally, she inspired her daughter, Vanessa, to become an Attorney and an educator, as she regularly advocates for those without a voice regarding issues large or small.
Mary went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2020.
Mary was blessed to have loving and dedicated daughters and grandchildren who loved her and dedicated health care professionals all of whom rallied to assist her. We would like to especially thank Hilma Briscoe (primary caretaker), along with the following medical experts: Marva M. Moxey-Mims, M.D., and Constance Dunlap, M.D. for the professional and generous medical guidance, support and prayers provided to mom and to our family during critical times of need.
Mary gave all praise and honor to God and would say “To God be the Glory” & “But God….”
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