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.
Beautiful Dreams was sent for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 10, 2023
Sonya Simpson sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 10, 2023
Deepest condolences to your family for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this time. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jake, Sonya, Jada, Jacob & Jason Simpson
Keecia Scott sent Radiant Foliage Planter for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 08, 2023
Sending our deepest condolences and most heartfelt prayers to the family during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories you shared give you peace. Sincerely, Keecia Scott & Family
Christ Rescue Temple Church sent Pink Tribute Spray for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 08, 2023
You are in our thoughts and prayers, We are here for you. Bishop Willie Davis, Jr, Bishop CC Davis and the Crt Church Family -- Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Jasmine Riley sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 08, 2023
To the family of Mother Christine D. Kellam:
Our deepest condolences to your family. We are thinking of you all during this time.
Sent with love and remembrance, The Gilead Early Talent Team
Elliott Haynie sent Fall Fantasia for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 07, 2023
We're sorry for your loss. Pls know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly.
Crystal & Elliott Haynie
Jasmin Strachan sent Your Light Shines for Mother Christine Dillard Kellam - March 07, 2023
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. May you all be comforted during this difficult time. Love, Jasmin Strachan and family (Nassau, Bahamas)
Sharing in the transition of Mrs. Christine Dillard Kellam. Cherish the memories and share them. Sympathy, Blessings and Love throughout this time. Marguerite W. Wilson and Tim Witcher
Sending sincere condolences & comfort to the Dillard/Kellam Family. From the Thomas/Broady/Irving Family
Whereas God our Father has seen fit in His divine will to call our dearly beloved Sister in Christ to eternal rest and Whereas through the effectual testimony and conduct becoming a Christian she demonstrated a life of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, Whereas the Bible proclaims in 1 Thessalonians 5:13-18 that such persons are asleep in Jesus and will rise again and that we are to take comfort in these words. Love you all 🙏 Bishop Wes Witcher Jr.
We are sorry for your Loss, May God's peace Surround you in your Season of Grief. The Life Society, Hazel W. Spencer, President.
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother I will keep you all in my Prayers she will be greatly missed Love the Noel and Martin Family and Hairston Family
We're sending sincere sympathy to the family. Know that our prayers are with you. Louis and Deborah Taylor
Our condolences and prayers to the family. May the Lord forever bless and comfort you all now and always.
My deepest condolences of the lost of your mother. Mother Kellam was a wonderful lady .Praying for God to give the family straight.
We are sorry for your loss. May the Lord be with you in this difficult time. We are praying for your family.
Bishop Larry & Jacqueline Robertson and The Fairview Church Family
My sympathy for the Kellam family Always remember the wonderful time God allowed you all to have with your beautiful mother. Rest in Jesus. Betty N.H
Prayers for the entire family. Such a beautiful and sweet woman of God. Let the love of a Jesus surround you in this difficult time .
A mother's love is eternal. Hold on to that infinite love and let it be your guiding light. May God comfort your family.,(Trina Davis)
I will forever remember Mother Kellam as a beautiful, holy and gracious woman of God who led by example. She was such a sweet and humble servant who I know said what she meant and meant what she said. Take your rest Mother Kellam, a true warrior. You will be missed. Keep the family in your prayer's. Sis. Gerri Bostick from Shining Light Church in Columbia, S.C.
I will forever remember Mother Kellam as a beautiful, holy and gracious woman of God who led by example. She was such a sweet and humble servant who I know said what she meant and meant what she said. Take your rest Mother Kellam, a true warrior. You will be missed. Keep the family in your prayer's. Sis. Gerri Bostick from Shining Light Church in Columbia, S.C.
Love u from Durham's family
Love u from Durham family's
We offer our prayers and sincere condolences to the family. Elliott and KiKi Martin
Sending deepest and sincere condolences to the family of Mother Christine Kellam. She was a beautiful woman of God who was the epitome of beauty, class, and elegance. Praying that God will strengthen and comfort your hearts as you experience the days ahead!!! Dea. Henry & Sis. Dorothy Jacobs
Sending deepest and sincere condolences to the family of Mother Christine Kellam. She was a beautiful woman of God who was the epitome of beauty, class, and elegance. Praying that God will strengthen and comfort your hearts as you experience the days ahead!!!
To The Kellam Family, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother, God gave her a beautiful life and longevity. I remember whenever you would see her coming into church or during the services, she would always be waving her handkerchief. Praying God will strengthen you during this difficult time and always cherish the memories. Lois & Prayers!!
Our deepest sympathy to the Kellam family. Willie Mae and Peter Harris
I am sorry for you all's loss. You all are in my prayers. Brenda Poole
I am sorry for you all's loss. You all are in my prayers.
Praying for the family we love you !
Jerusalem Free Deliverance Church Bishop James Perkins Pastor
My condolences and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement
My condolences to the family praying for peace and comfort. Mike and Dedee Cook
We send our prayers and condolences to the Kellam family. Mother Kellam will be missed. Love, Elder Larry Dunkins and Amazing Grace Ministry Family
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Mother Kellam another great woman of God. It is my prayer that her family will find comfort in knowing that she was a great leader and loved by many. Sis. Laura Tinsley
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Leth & Marian Hairston
I would like to offer my sincere and heart felt sympathy to the Kellum and Dillard family so sorry to hear of your loss I will keep you in prayer and may God forever keep you today and the days ahead Elvis Moyer
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kellam family. Cherish the memories of Mother Kellam, she was a beautiful Lady!! Sincerely, LaTonya Robertson
My condolences during your time of bereavement. May God give you comfort today and the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gladys King
Prayers of comfort to the family. May God's love and peace surround you in the days and months ahead.
Dearest Family... We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your loving Mother and my dear Aunt Christine. You are a beautiful reflection of her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior. Through him you will find the strength to endure. Please know, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and throughout....
Lovingly, Nikki Martin-Pryor & family.
My sincere condolences to the Kellam family. Praying that God will bless and comfort you in your sorrow. Mother Kellam was truly a child of God and loved serving her church as an active member. Although she didn't mind setting you straight, it was always done in the name of Jesus. She will missed and remembered as our "Sharpest Dressed Queen!" Deacon Mike Ferguson
mother
mother
My condolences to the family sorry for your loss sending up prayers for the family. The Little family Susan,Katie,Claudeen,Libby,Charles and Robin
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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