Gilliam, Viola Gertrude

Stockbridge, MI

Age 103, went home to be with the Lord Friday, April 25, 2025. She was born September 24, 1921 in Dickenson County, VA, the daughter of Silas Rufus and Lilly (Counts) Silcox.

Viola was a parishioner of Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time at the Stockbridge Senior Citizen Center. She loved cooking for her family, hunting and doing puzzles. She relished the time she spent traveling across America throughout her life.

Viola is survived by her daughter JoEtta (Richard) Young, grandchildren David Young, Leslie (Jeff) Lane, Bridgett Young, Jacqueline Herman, Kellie Parks, Mike (Angie) Tackett and Ritz (Shelly) Ashby; 14 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. The family would like to recognize her dear friend and companion Ruhl Bunker. He has loved and been by her side for the past three years and for that the family is eternally grateful.

She was preceded in death by her parents Silas and Lilly Silcox; three husbands, William Garland, Luster Henry Gilliam and James Rufus Gilliam; son Ritzy Ashby, daughter Zella Smith, grandson Johnny Lee Dean, granddaughter Tracie Smith Mullins, great-grandson Brent Mullins and great-great-grandson Jonathan Penning.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 10 am (7180 S. Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti). Pastor Joe Kennedy will officiate. The family will receive friends 4-8 pm Friday, May 2, 2025 at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti). Viola will be laid to rest in Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Senior Citizen Center or Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist Church.