Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Evelyn Louise Mayfield Gilliam. She passed peacefully on September 23, 2025, at her home in Ettrick, VA. She was a woman of great love, kindness, compassion, and will be profoundly missed by all that knew her.

Born on March 17, 1944, in Chesterfield, VA, Evelyn dedicated her life to her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her warm and caring presence brought joy and comfort to those around her. She was a woman of many talents and enjoyed the simplest things. She was an exceptional cook, often delighting her family with home-cooked meals that were made with love and care. She had a natural gift for sewing and her green thumb brought life to her flowerbeds. She had a love of fishing, music, and babysitting, being a fixture in the lives of many. Her ability to love unconditionally made her the cornerstone of her family.

Evelyn leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Julia Mayfield of Ettrick, VA, her children, Karen Mayfield Baugh (Stephen Dunlap) of North Dinwiddie, VA, Herbert Keith Gilliam of Ettrick, VA and Erika V. Gilliam (John Pritchett) of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, ToShera Kimble (Brandon Kimble), LaToyia Flowers, Brittani Smith (Ro'Derick Smith), Daryen Baugh (Otis Jackson), DeAndre Cherry, and Amani Cherry; great-grandchildren,  Jabarie Allen, Braylon Kimble, Terrance McDougal, Jr., Jaila Holmes, MiAylaa Connor, Gabrielle Allen, Bellamy Kimble, Mariyah Jackson, Elijah Jackson, Breslon Kimble, and Amir Jackson; sisters, Joyce Bailey of Petersburg, VA, Thelma Jefferson and Audrey Jones both of Prince George, VA, Connie Mayfield of Richmond, VA, and Sandra Bailey (Rudolph Bailey) of Spring Grove, VA; aunts, Otelia Evans of Chesterfield, VA and Sarah Hines of Matoaca, VA; brother-in-law, James Ivory Gilliam of Ford, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Mayfield; her husband of 56 years, Herbert "Junie" Gilliam; brother, William Mayfield; stepson, Roswell Friend, and her grandson, Roswell Friend, Jr.

Special thanks to the caregivers of Care Advantage Colonial Heights, VA: Tasha Athey, Tykera Hill, Tara Salter, Felicia Griffin and Affinity Hospice Care Richmond, VA: Candice Ross, Makayla Meredith, and Kendra Rice and her neighbor, Ruth Mason. We appreciate your kindness, love, and support.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, South Prince George, VA.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.