Deborah Carter Gilliam, 62, of Richmond, peacefully passed away April 8, 2024. She was an only child, born to Thomas and Edith Carter on May 11, 1961. Deborah grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from John Marshall High School. She continued her education and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Virginia Union University.

In 1989, she married Reuben L. Gilliam, II, and welcomed their first child, Toni. Her goals immediately shifted to maximize her time with Toni. Deborah returned to school and completed a Master's Degree in Education, from Virginia State University. The new career path would ensure when Toni became school aged, she would always share the same schedule as her daughter. Every school year, she looked forward to being able to spend each break and holiday with her family. The decision to become a teacher was initially made for her daughter, but it ultimately became a huge part of Deborah's life and set the precedent for her life's journey. Deborah gave birth to her second daughter, Taylor Gilliam in 1995. It was clear that her children were most important and later, grandchildren. Education became her love and passion second only to her family.

In 2007, Deborah started her second act and relocated to Henry County, Georgia. It was there she created a new community of students and co-workers, many of whom became her Georgia family. Deborah was a dedicated teacher for over 20 years. She worked hard to make sure grades were posted, parents were informed, and her classroom environment felt safe. Her loving nature, encouragement and support had a lasting impact on the lives of her students, many of whom carried their relationship beyond graduation. Students would check in on her through their adulthood and continued to include her in their major life milestones.

Deborah was passionate about her support system. She would often indulge in hanging out with her friends, and talking on the phone with her Mom and daughters daily. Her will to live centered around her family. She fought hard and displayed so much strength during the last few months of her life. Her heart was physically weak, but that did not stop her from displaying an abundance amount of love to her close family and friends.

Deborah is forever and lovingly remembered by her mother, Edith Carter; daughters, Toni Gilliam (Jay), and Taylor Gilliam (Jai'mon); grandchildren, Chase, Reuben and Lillian; other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Appomattox Cemetery, Hopewell, Va. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Deborah's life. Arrangements by Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

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