Rebecca Gilliam

Mother Rebecca Saint Clair Rogers
Gilliam was born November 1, 1931, in Carlisle, West
Virginia to David Crockett Christian and Savannah Robinson
Christian. She was one of ten children: Joyce, Odessa,
Charles, Joe Louis, Daisy Mae, Mary, Aaron, Frank, and
Donnell who all preceded her in death. In later years, the
family moved to Mount Hope, West Virginia, where they
established a produce and poultry farm.
Mother Rebecca was joined in holy matrimony to the late Windell O. Rogers April 13, 1952.
The couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio and were blessed with the births of Windell II, Paulyette,
Salynthe (deceased), Steve (deceased) and Phillip. She later married Roger Gilliam (deceased). To
this union, Jules was born. Mother Rebecca was known to have a strict hand in raising her children.
She instilled the value of a good education and excellence in professional pursuits. These
opportunities were denied to her as a young woman growing up in a southern state. She taught her
children to seek knowledge, be clean, self-sufficient and to trust God.
In addition to raising her family, Mother Rebecca found time to pursue her own interests. She
attended stenography school and later worked as a stenographer. She enrolled in dental assistant
training and subsequently worked as a dental assistant. Mother Rebecca also studied at Jane Addams
School of Practical Nursing. She loved to travel, especially accompanied by her children and other
family members. Some of her favorites include cruising, visiting California and Florida. Mother
Rebecca was a lifelong learner; she kept abreast of current news events; read the newspapers daily
and became skilled in completing crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
In 1974, Mother Rebecca Gilliam she was led of the Lord to worship Him as a Seventh Day
Adventist. She was regarded as a helpful, cheerful servant. Mother Gilliam mentored many young
ladies in the Word of God, as well as practical homemaking skills. She dedicated her remaining years
to studying and learning bible principles and living according to the Word. She often reminded others
to “get right with God because we are living in the last of the last days.” Later in life, she began her
career as a social worker. By completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work at Capitol
University in Columbus, Ohio and receiving certification in 1992, Mother Rebecca became one of
the first state-certified social workers in Ohio.
Those who remain to cherish her memory: sons Windell (Clinton MD), Phillip (Carileen)
(Brandon, FL), Jules (Cleveland, OH); daughter Paulyette (Farmington Hills, MI); brother Jerry

(Margo) (Cleveland, OH); three grandsons; three granddaughters; one great-grandson; two great-
granddaughters; cousins and other wonderful family members and friends. Special daughters Dariel

Powell (Taylor, MI) and Kandice Bland (Cleveland, OH). And of course, her brothers and sisters at
the Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she served for many years. The family extends
special thanks to the staff at Grande Pointe Nursing of Richmond Heights, Ohio, notably Vanessa
Purnell. Thank you to Hospice of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio for their support during this
time of transition. Much appreciation to Robert Wintz, Denise Neal, Kristen Nagel, Michelle
Watson, and Dorothy Stocker.

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