Jesse Aaron Gilliam

      What God knows about you is more important than what others think about you. God knows your heart. 

On December 1, 2023, God decided to call his child, Jesse Aaron Gilliam home to be with him. Jesse was born on January 12, 1978, in Emporia, Virginia to Inez T. Gilliam and the late Jesse James Gilliam.

He was educated in the Sussex County Public Schools and graduated from Sussex Central High School, in 1996. After high school, Jesse decided to venture away from Sussex and attended the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. He graduated in 2001 as a Pipefitter and continued his career with Newport News Shipbuilding.  For a short period of time, Jesse moved to Georgia and was a Mechanical Engineer for Flowers Bakery.  Upon returning to Virginia, Jesse resumed his career with Newport News Shipbuilding.  In 2011 Jesse started working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard where he remained employed until his passing. 

Jesse was selfless when it came to his family. It gave him joy and purpose being a provider and protector for his family. He has a heart to help those he cared for.  If he could do something for you, he would. One act of service Jesse took pleasure in was cooking for his family. He would be happy when a recipe, new or old, would get compliments from the family by giving him the title of “Chef Jay” for his culinary efforts. Jesse was an observer, and many would label quiet, but once he warmed up to you, the conversation would flow. He loved to laugh and if he made you laugh or smile from something he did or said that was a bonus. Jesse’s smile and laugh were contagious.

At an early age, Jesse accepted Christ and was baptized.  in 2019, he joined Union Baptist Church.  He was a man of God and had faith that God would take care of everything. Jesse’s soul is free, and he can be at peace knowing God is covering those that he loved.  

His life will forever be remembered and celebrated by his wife, Tikisha R. Gilliam; son Justin A. Gilliam; mother Inez T. Gilliam; mother-in-law Vernice Redcross; brothers, Kim Boone, Tyron Gilliam (Yolanda), and Shun Gilliam; a very dear friend Fredrick Person; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. 

"Live every moment, Laugh everyday, Love with all your heart." 

A funeral service to celebrate Jesse's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Union Baptist Church. Interment in the Cargill Family cemetery will be at a later date. Mr. Gilliam may be viewed in the church on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of his service.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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