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Obituary For Susie Mae Gilliam
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Susie Mae Gilliam.
Susie Mae Gilliam, she was born in Leon County, Tallahassee, Florida on April 14, 1942, to the late Ike and Pansy Gilliam. Susie transitioned on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, peacefully in her home surrounded by love. She was raised in a home rooted in Christian values; where she grew and developed a deep faith.
She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1959. The family was taught by their Father Deacon Ike, how to pray and serve the lord. It was mandatory to attend church services, and revivals. Susie was a member of Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist church where she supported and attended throughout her life. She loved to worship and praise our Heavenly Father. Susie was the third of nine children.
Susie attended Old Lincoln High School, in Leon County, FL, through 1962. Her strong-will, and independence, while trusting God she courageously left Tallahassee.This was during the era of the civil rights movement, she was seventeen when she relocated to New York. She attended technical school in Westchester County, NY, where she received her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate and thrived in her private duty role caring for elderly patients, especially those with Alzheimer’s Disease. During her various work assignments she would often travel Domestically and Internationally with the families who so fondly loved her.
Susie had four wonderful children who meant the world to her; Sonya, David Mark, and Darrell. She instilled in her children to deeply respect and honor the Lord. The importance of attending Church regularly and coming together to pray as a family every night, we were on our knees. She also taught us to love one another, regardless of anyone’s race or background, to share and serve, as well as helping others.
She made sure she provided for her children the best food, clothes, education, after school activities, New York Broadway shows and yearly vacations. Susie had a heart of gold, she loved to share, give, travel, and cook, but her favorite role was a grandmother. She treasured the time with her grandkids and became a great grandma in 2023. She loved being called GG/Mother Goose/and Grandma, never failing to have them over for great holiday meals, or travel to care for and be with them.
She leaves so much love and great memories to; Jerrod (Rody) Graves, Jared (Jah Jah) Graves, Zion (Baby Zion) Gilliam, Chance (Chancey) Gilliam, Dalin (Poppy Do) Gilliam and great granddaughter Sophie (So So) Rae Gilliam. Susie loved to cook fantastic meals her signature dish was Lasagne. She would feed families, friends, neighbors and anyone who would just stop by. She had an adventurous spirt a love for world traveling; visiting Paris, Madrid, Spain and Belgium. After moving back to Florida in 2009 she would often travel back and forth to New York, her favorite place.
Susie leaves to mourn, her daughter Sonya Graves; her son Darrell Gilliam; her sisters and brother-in laws; Bessie Lee Gavin, (Jimmy Gavin), Ameila Jackson, Betty Russ, (Vandy Russ); Carrie Jefferson and Pansy Herring, (Dr. Clarence Herring). And a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She is pre-deceased by her mother and father, Ike and Pansy Gilliam; sister Tollie Mae Lewis, sister Kannie Florence Gilliam and one brother Aaron Gilliam. The family would like to thank her niece Carla, and Neil Richardson, for their relentless support and sacrifices including birthday celebrations and her care. Thank you, to her dear sisters Bessie, Ameila, Betty, Carrie and Pansy who loved and shared many great memories together.
A huge Thank you to her dear friends, Glory Pritchard, Nancy Fuoco, Earnestine Ross Graves, Lisa Salvatto and Natalie Christian. Big Bend Hospice, Transitions Supportive Care, Alzheimer’s Association, and a special thank you to Cole Miller, Ameri - Corps for the respect and tremendous care. Thank you also to her grandsons, Jerrod and Jared Graves and Dalin Gilliam for their love and care.
Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. THURSDAY, January 22, 2026 at Mt. Pleasant P.B. Church, 4101 Thomasville Rd, with burial at Lake Hall Cemetery.
Viewing will be from 12:00 (Noon) to 6:00 P.M. Followed by a Wake Service from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Strong & Jones Funeral Home.
On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Susie Mae Gilliam.
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Peace & blessings to the Gilliam family. We trust that the thought of a full life lived and the Queen Mother Mae Gilliam resting in paradise will continually bring a smile especially through these immediate tough days. God bless 🙌
To the Gilliam Family: Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved mother. Ms. Gilliam was a blessing to me and my family. She always provided love and guidance, (and a meal), and I will forever treasure her genuine kindness and warm heart. God Bless!
This poem is for your mom; may it give you strength to know she is always with you.
"Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore. She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well. She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She's the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow. She is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. She's crystallized in every teardrop. A mother shows every emotion .......... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love; your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...not even death!"
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
