Family News

(September 10, 1928 – September 24, 2024)

Eldest Daughter of Martha Mason Hill, and MMHMF Co-Founder

Delores Colean Hill Gilliam, affectionately known as “Lois,” peacefully transitioned into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, while in hospice at Symphony Manor Assisted Living, Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 96.

Delores was born on September 10, 1928, in Chesterfield, Virginia, the first of seven daughters of the late Thomas E. Hill and Martha Mason Hill. She was educated in the public school system in Chesterfield County. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized into the membership of Union Grove Baptist Church. After graduating from D. Webster Davis High School, which was located on the campus of Virginia State College, now known as Virginia State University, she began her post-secondary education at the college. Meanwhile, her high school sweetheart, Samuel (Sam) Gilliam, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. The two began their 56 year union in marriage on September 8, 1951, followed by the birth of their two daughters, Serelda and Doretha, while they were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Delores was a devoted wife and mother who supported her husband’s military career and achievements, as he attained the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major during his 30 year career. Although Sam performed his duties at various military installations in the U.S. and abroad, the couple managed to maintain a stable family home in Aberdeen, Maryland, filled with faith, love and an unwavering commitment for their daughters to pursue higher education.

Delores was an excellent typist and stenographer who worked for the Civil Service as a secretary, usually at the same Army base where Sam was stationed. By the time their daughters were well on their way to earning college degrees, both Sam and Delores decided to set their own academic goals. Sam’s military and civilian schooling culminated with his receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland in College Park (UMCP), Maryland. Not to be outdone, Delores completed her associate’s degree from Harford Community College in 1979, followed by a bachelor’s in accounting from UMCP in 1985. She was a dedicated and often honored employee of the Department of the Army Cost Accounting Office, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) for many years before her retirement in 1998 at the age of 70.

Throughout their lives together, Delores and Sam shared a great love for traveling around the world by vehicle, aircraft, train or ship. They especially enjoyed traveling with their daughters, grandchildren, other family members and friends. One memorable trip they shared was when Sam was selected as a member of the United States Delegation to the Presidential Mission to Korea in 2000, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. Wherever they traveled, in the U.S. or abroad, family members often received mementos and gifts when they returned.

Delores’ interests included maintaining a healthy lifestyle through her diet and commitment to physical exercise. In the mornings, at least three times a week, Delores could be found at the local gym, even into her early 90s. Just as often, in the evenings, she enjoyed playing bingo with friends. She was a faithful member of the APG Post Chapel, Protestant congregation and volunteered for the APG Credit Union, serving on the Credit Committee for ten years. She was also a Board member of the Martha Mason Hill Memorial Foundation, faithfully and generously supporting its mission of increasing educational opportunities for students in Chesterfield County.

In addition to her parents and husband Sam, Delores was preceded in death by her sisters Charlotte Johnson, Doris Stephenson, and Euletta Hatchette, all of Chesterfield, Virginia. Left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted daughters, Serelda Matthews and Doretha Houston, both of Baltimore, Maryland; one son- in-law, James Houston III, Baltimore, Maryland; five grandchildren, Alecia Amoo, Knightdale, North Carolina, James Houston, IV (Kike), Chicago, Illinois, Michael Houston, Baltimore, Maryland, Daniel Houston, Silver Spring, Maryland, and Natalie Houston, Baltimore, Maryland; two great grandchildren, Olivia Amoo, Knightdale, North Carolina and London Houston, Chicago, Illinois; three sisters, Sarah Cheatham, Chesterfield, Virginia, Shirley Baugh, Croton-on-Hudson, New York, and Alberta Stith, Mitchellville, Maryland; one brother-in-law, Dr. James Stith, Mitchellville, Maryland; special nieces, Trudy and Judy Stephenson, Chesterfield, Virginia; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.