Mr. John C. Gilliam Sr.

With love in our hearts and gratitude for his life, we remember Mr. John Clinton Gilliam ll., who peacefully transitioned from this life on July 13, 2025. John was born on October 9, 1946, in Whitmore, Arkansas, to the union of John L. Gilliam and Elvira Gilliam. At the tender age of four, he and his family relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where he would later be educated in the St. Louis Public School system, graduating from Vashon High School.

Throughout his life, John was a man of unwavering faith and compassion. He accepted Christ under the leadership of Apostle Gregory Holly at Grace Fellowship International Church and continued to grow spiritually through his fellowship at Transformation Ministries in North St. Louis. From 2001 to 2018, Brother John founded, organized, and supervised a shelter for men experiencing homelessness. With open arms and an even wider heart, he welcomed and uplifted those often forgotten by society. To him, they were not just men, they were family.

Brother John’s love extended deeply to his own family. He was a devoted husband to the late Mary Lawrence Gilliam, whom he married on June 27, 2009, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Their union was one of partnership, faith, and love. He was a proud father, grandfather, and father figure. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren and took great pride in raising his grandson, Joseph Gilliam, as if he were his son.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, his parents, three sisters—Charlean Estes, Grace Mitchell, and Lena Scott—and two brothers, Howard Lee and Howard III. He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy. His daughter, Sherille Harris, his sons, John Gilliam III, Eric Stubblefield, and Keith Stubblefield, and fifteen grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. Eleven loving sisters: Gloria Bryant, Debra Mosley, Michelle Scott, Vanessa Scott, Redale Smith, Sandra Shaw (David), Sandra Ware (Tommie), Linda Love (Terry), Janella Scott, Shirley Mack (Tony), and Abbaleyah (Veronica Scott) Two special cousins regarded as siblings: Mr. Herbert Gillion and Ms. Patricia Gillion A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He also leaves behind his treasured Wednesday Night Bible Study Group and his dear friend, Michael A. Pusateri, whose friendship and support meant a great deal to him.

Brother John lived a life of purpose. He was a man who led with love, stood firm in his faith, and gave freely of himself to others. Though he will be missed beyond words, his spirit lives on in the many hearts he has touched and in the legacy of compassion and grace he has left behind.

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