Rachel Melinda Gilliland

Rachel Melinda Gilliland was born February 26, 1940, in Henderson, North Carolina to the late Edwin and                 Rosa Lee Gilliland. She was the second to oldest of 4 children.

She was educated in the Henderson County school system. She would go back and forth to visit family in Philadelphia and finally decided to stay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the age of 15. She graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1958.

Rachel was known for working odd jobs (housecleaning and etc.) up until she fell ill in 1984. That illness did not stop Rachel from taking joy in caring for her grandchildren anytime needed, especially in the summertime.  

On Monday, June 12, 2023, Rachel earned her heavenly wings, answered God’s call, and entered into His arms. Although we are truly saddened because of her passing, we will celebrate her life, memories, and legacy in the family.

Rachel was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Gilliland, mother, Rosa Lee Gilliland, brother, Josephus Dawkins, sister-in-law, Hattie Dawkins, and grandson, Tyrell Gilliland.  She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, six children; Micheal Gilliland, Cassandra Gilliland, Reginald Ledman (Angeline), Rochelle Gilliland, Rodney Gilliland, and Stephanie Smiley (Edward), grandchildren; Cornell, Charrise, Lysander, Nicole, Tiesha, April, Tamika, Micheal, Kenyonna, Claude, Marcus, Kyle, Fateema, Darnell, Amanda, Roger, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She had a special love, especially for her family in North Carolina. She will forever be loved and missed by her family.

Pallbearers: Rodney Gilliland, Lawrence Betterson, Charles Gilliland, Shamar Adams and Darnell Puckett,

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