Christine Dillard Kellam of Park Lane Martinsville, VA transitioned from this life on Monday, March 6, 2023. She was born December 5, 1931, in Martinsville, Virginia to the late John L. Dillard and the late Edna K. Dillard.

She was united in marriage to the late Bishop Robert Lee Kellam and to this union were born two sons and four daughters. Survivors include son, Bishop Robert Denzell Kellam (First Lady Anita Kellam) of Martinsville, VA; daughters First Lady Zarita Darcell Battle (Pastor Gaston Battle) of Martinsville, VA, Dawna Kaye Bynum (Deacon Darren Bynum) of Greensboro, NC, Tameyia Christine Womack (Bro. Thomas Womack) of Martinsville, VA, and First Lady Trivinia Kellam Hairston (Pastor Jeff Hairston, Sr.) of Rocky Mount, VA.

Grandchildren; April Millner, Denesha Kellam, Tamiya Kellam, Tylon Townley (Lori), Antwon Martin, Larrishia Jacobs (Jerrold), Ronwyn Pritchett (Jade), Monique Brunson (Will), Larry “Poochie” Jacobs, Camille Bynum, Tiffany Pringle (Allen), Jaliyah Hairston, Jeffrey Hairston, Jr., and Jada Hairston.

Great grandchildren; Journie Millner, Destiny Millner, Trent Davis, Tamare Davis, De’nasia Wooden, Nigel Moyer, Nadia Moyer, Ny’Quez Martin, Jocelyn Stanley, Madison Pritchett, Morgan Brunson, LaVontez Jacobs, Alexis Jacobs, Camden Clark, Zoe Pringle, London Pringle, Ayden Pringle, and two great great grandchildren; Kennedy Martin and Kohl Martin.

Also, survived by a sister, Edna Delores Doggett and brothers Joe Dillard (Iniease), Bobby Lee Dillard (Arnette), and John Edward Dillard (Carolyn), and host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bishop Robert Lee Kellam; son, Roderick Ondre' Kellam; great granddaughter, Tiara Millner; Sisters, Mother Catherine Dillard Moyer and Evelyn Hobson.

Mother Kellam was filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age. She often spoke of her experience with God while playing outside as a child and would give vivid accounts of how God would be with her. It was always beautiful to hear and see how God used her even at a young age. Mother Christine Kellam graduated from George Washington Carver and later furthered her education at Patrick Henry Community College. Mother Kellam was an avid reader, trivia guru, sports enthusiast, and basketball player in her youth. She even taught all of her children and grandchildren how to play basketball. Mother Kellam was a lover of fashion, and passionate advocate for the voiceless. She dedicated her life as a First Lady and Pastor’s wife to the ministry where her late husband, Bishop Robert Kellam was the Pastor for 45+ years. During her membership at Mt. Olivet Apostolic Church, she was the President of the Missionary Department, a passionate supporter of the Prison Ministry, and many other auxiliaries.

During difficult times and life events, Mother Kellam always understood how great thou art, which is why she was often heard singing her favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art.”

A woman of principle and courage, and a woman who stood firm on what she believed in, it was from her that we learned to be strong. She was far more than a strong figure. Mother Christine Kellam was a matriarch wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. We were so blessed to have her all of our lives.

Mother Christine Kellam served as First Lady of The United Churches of Jesus Apostolic (U.C.J.A.) from 2000- 2014, alongside her husband the late Bishop Robert L. Kellam who was the National Chairman.

She was a member of Spirit of Christ Worship Center (S.O.C.W.C.) under the leadership of her son Bishop Denzell Kellam, where she served as the President emeritus of the S.O.C.W.C. Missionary Ministry and the Mother of the church. Mother Kellam also served as Vice President of the U.C.J.A. National Missionary Department.

A family visitation will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 12 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. held at The Spirit of Christ Worship Center, 4250 Chatham Rd, Martinsville, VA 24112. With Bishop Harry L. Williams, presiding and Bishop Denzell Kellam, eulogist. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens. A public viewing will be held Friday, March 10, 2023, at Hairston Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The family will receive friends at the home, 274 Park Lane, Martinsville, VA 24112 on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. In accordance to the CDC a face covering and social distancing will be required.

To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.