Velma Ruth Gilliam, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026. She was born on February 9, 1935, to Sam Nathaniel Taylor and Lizzie Gunter Taylor.
Velma was one of many siblings and is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Mary Louis Taylor, Mildred Lee Taylor, Margaret Taylor, Fred “Junior” Taylor, Francis Louis Taylor, Geraldine Taylor, Eva Joy Taylor, James William Taylor, and Eugenia Taylor; her beloved husband, Bill Gilliam; her son, Jack Gilliam and his daughter Stacey Jenison; and her parents, Sam and Lizzie Taylor.
Velma leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory always: her children, Teresa Kulcak and husband Sid Kulcak, and Jeannie Stavinoha-Brown.
She was a proud and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and their families include: Lauren Kulcak and Justin Walters, with great-grandchildren Cotton and Emma Walters; Logan Kulcak and Shelby Kulcak, with great-grandchildren Knox, Nash, and Wrynn Kulcak; Granddaughters Jill Gilliam; Jade Brown; Grandson Josh Stavinoha and wife Allison Nix, with great-grandchild Addlynn Cauthorn; & great-grandchildren Jaise Jenison and Jacoby Stoner, and great-great-granddaughter Kaliah Stoner;
Velma also lovingly embraced adopted family members Anthony Cohea and wife Cassandra Cohea; grandson John David Cohea and wife Anne Cohea; and great-grandson Clark Cohea. Additional cherished family members include Paula Frugia; grandson Cam Mulka and wife Brandy Mulka; and great-granddaughter Tess Mulka.
Velma and her husband Bill began their life together in El Dorado, Arkansas, before moving to Lake Jackson, Texas, where they purchased their first home and raised their three children. Their home was one of warmth and welcome, where cherished friends were always treated like family.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson, Velma was deeply committed to her faith. She actively served in the women’s mission group and lived a life that reflected her devotion. After retirement, Velma and Bill became involved with Baptist Builders, traveling across the United States and Canada to help construct churches and support growing congregations.
In 2020, Velma sold the family home in Lake Jackson and moved to Carriage Inn, where she formed new friendships and reconnected with old ones. In 2023, she moved to Danbury, Texas, and became a member of Community Baptist Church, continuing her faithful service to the Lord.
Velma will be remembered as a faithful servant, a loving mother, and a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held on April 9, 2026, at Community Baptist Church in Danbury, Texas at 12 PM .
Velma’s legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.