Elva Turner Gilliam died Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia after a brief illness. Born November 27, 1921, she was a lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County. She was the widow of Quincy Bassett Gilliam, Sr. and was predeceased by a son Quincy Bassett Gilliam, Jr.; granddaughter, Kimberly Yeoman Mullis, and great grandson, Eric Langhrey. She was the daughter of Edith Jones Turner and husband, Glenroy. Mrs. Gilliam was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonel William Allen Chapter, and a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Gilliam was a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt. She is survived by daughters, Edith Gilliam Raby of Smithfield and Susan Gilliam Dileanis and husband Peter of Davis, California; daughter-in-law, Sarah Gilliam of Smithfield; three grandchildren, Brian Yeoman and wife, Kathy; Quincy Bassett Gilliam, III, and Rebecca Gilliam; and 2 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at Old St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gary Barker and Rev. Macon Walton officiating. Interment will follow the service. There will be a reception for family and friends at Christ Episcopal Church following the service. The family wishes to thank the companions and nurses at Home Sweet Home Care Incorporated and Riverside Hospice for the loving care they provided. Special thanks also to the medical staff at Sentara Obici Hospital. The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Community Help in Progress "C.H.I.P." c/o Smithfield Police Department, Attn: Annette Crocker at 1613 S. Church St., Smithfield, VA 23430 or the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 97, Smithfield, VA 23431. Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, Suffolk, VA is serving the family. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.