Cora Anna Gilliam-Williams passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022. She was born August 16, 1937, in Newberry, SC, a daughter of the late Willie Gilliam and Eva Ruff-Gilliam. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Curtis Gilliam, and Norris Williams; stepchildren, Norris Williams, Jr., and Gregg R. Williams; siblings, Ola M. Lindsay, Willie Gilliam, and Eva M. Preston. Cora moved to Mount Vernon, NY at an early age. She attended the public schools of Mount Vernon until she moved to Ossining, NY. She was a graduate of Ossining High School. Cora attended Roshambo Business School, where she graduated with a major in Business-Secretarial. She worked in the secretarial field until she decided to fulfill her long-time dream of becoming a nurse. She attended Nursing School in White Plains, NY, where she graduated with honors. Cora was employed with various hospitals, nursing homes, in addition to doing private duty nursing until her health would no longer allow her to continue. Cora was a faithful member in her churches. In Mount Vernon, NY, she was secretary of the usher board and assisted where she was needed. Cora united in marriage to Norris Williams in 1975 in Mount Vernon, NY, where they lived until they relocated to High Point, NC in 2007. Cora came to High Point and became a missionary and was always willing to help out where she was needed. She was the type of person that was always willing to help anyone that was in need. Cora was always willing to give to those that didn’t have. She also had a passion for cooking, gardening, and planting flowers. Cora was always willing to cook you a home-cooked meal. Besides God, she would always say, “My family ALWAYS comes FIRST!” She loved them all dearly. Surviving to cherish precious memories are her two beautiful daughters, Adriane Michelle Gilliam-Lewis (John Lewis, Sr, spouse.), and Direthea Ann Gilliam-Daniels (Jesse Branch, fiancé); nine grandchildren, Gregory D. N. Gilliam, John Lewis, Jr., Bryant K. Footes, Michelle A. Lewis, Brandon L. Daniels, James L. Daniels, III, Laura C. A. Daniels, Rashida Williams, and Damon K. Mitchell; seven great-grandchildren, Quincy L. Daniels, Gregory D. N. Gilliam, Jr., Brielle L. A. Daniels, Aaliyah N. Hunter, Mia R. Lewis, Damon K. Mitchell, Jr., and Bryson Warner; a stepdaughter, Deborah Williams-Reed; a sister, Bertha L. Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery. The family will receive friend at the church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.