J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Obituary For Willy Carolyn Smith Gilliam

Willy Carolyn Gilliam, a resident of Pacolet, SC died December 29, 2022 in Spartanburg, SC. Born in Pacolet, SC, she was the youngest daughter of Colossie Linelle Gregory Smith and Walter Smith.

Both parents preceded her in death. At 13 she became a resident of New York City for forty-five years where she was well-known, beloved, respected and admired in her Harlem neighborhood. Growing up she lived with her sister, Ida McCoy,at 84 Bradhurst Avenue — this address became the Northern hub of the Smith family. Mrs. Gilliam attended The City College of New York in its early years of becoming co-ed; a major feat by an African American woman in the 1950’s.

She enjoyed a distinguished career in accounting, working at IBM, Drexel Burnham Lambert and the Internal Revenue Service. Her expertise in her field made her indispensable and she took great pride in her career. She loved her family, reading, good conversation, World events, lively music, and Sudoku. Having never met a stranger within minutes she enchanted people by sharing a smile with a smile, information and life lessons.

She was extremely passionate about her New York sport teams. Even so, she never forgot her southern roots. She frequently visited her loved ones in South Carolina, eventually returning to Pacolet in 2002. There, she lived out her life contentedly with her husband John Willie Gilliam Jr. children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her family.

Survivors include: her children, Linda Martin, Carolyn (Paula) Privette, Jonique Gilliam, Garnell (Gill) Gilliam, Gregory Hamilton, Gia Hamilton, Leah Brown, Garnell (Gilly) Williams and many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. In addition, there are many nieces and nephews who remember her fondly.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday 1/14/23 at 1pm at J. W. Woodard Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of floral arrangements the Family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Guest Book

Sending my condolences Jonique to you, your siblings and entire family. Keeping you all in prayer as you grieve your loss and for hearts to heal in due time.

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My condolences goes out to the entire family. She was an inspiration to my wife and my daughter was born on her birthday. Speaking with Maw for the first time was really motivating and it's no wonder why she is well respected by all. I will adhere to her advice and cherish our conversation always. Wishing everyone who knew Maw my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Rudolph Bentley ll

- Rudolph Bentley ll

My sincere Condolences..Cousin Gill Charlotte NC

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With deepest sympathy we mourn the death of Carolyn. Now we pray that her life on earth starts a new beginning with her birth into eternity, where joy has no limit. Those left to cherish her memory hopefully will find peace knowing that she has transcended to our Heavenly Father. God wills it! Lonnie, Gloria, Gill, Clarissa, Maleek, Jordan, Arthur, David Gilliam in Asheville, North Carolina

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC