Ms. Marilyn Gilliard

Marilynn Ann Carter was born on May 26, 1950, to Flossie M. Myers and Willie J. Carter, Sr. in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Marilynn along with her family came to Milwaukee, WI in 1954. Marilynn received her education in the Milwaukee Public School System and graduated from North Division High School with honors. She received a full scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. There she received her degree in Biology/Chemistry. Marilynn received Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Westside Missionary Baptist Church. At the age of twelve, she attended Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Ellis Grace. As Marilynn sought a higher relationship with God and the Word, she later united with Believers In Christ Worship Center where the Bishop Cheryl McBride Brown is Senior Pastor. Marilynn was united in holy matrimony to the late Rufus Gilliard, Jr. in January 1978. Two children were born from this union, her son, Jon-Telley Gilliard and daughter, Kristina Gilliard. She was a devoted mother, encouraging her children to excel both academically and spiritually. She was a mentor and mother figure to many other young people, stressing the importance of education and giving back to others who might need help. Most of all, Marilynn was loved by her family as well as her extended family at Believers In Christ. She could not wait until her first grandchild, Kailynn, arrived. It was double joy when Brooklynn, her second grandchild, came along. She had two little “Divas” (girly girls). She loved them dearly. Marilynn retired from Miller-Coors Brewing Company in 2007. While at Miller, she worked in all aspects of the brewery including Quality Services, Sensory and the Production area. She enjoyed working in the various areas at Miller as well as the lasting friendships she made with her co-workers. She enjoyed music, dancing, reading, getting pampered, shopping, talking about the Lord and playing with her grandchildren. She was a classy lady! Marilynn took wings and departed this life on Wednesday, September 6,2023. She was preceded in death by her mother, Flossie Evans and Stepfather, Canton Evans; spouse, Rufus Gilliard, Jr.; sister, Barbara Carter-Moore; brother, Willie Carter, Jr. and his wife Iris Carter. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: a son, Jon-Telley Gilliard (Twanna), a daughter, Kristina Gilliard, two grandchildren: Kailynn & Brooklynn Gilliard, one brother: Andre Evans. Two sisters: Helen Charlene Evans and Candace Covington (Kenneth); five nephews: Lee Moore II, JuDawn Craig Evans (Symitria), Terrance Carter, Darryl Covington (Danyel), David Covington and one niece, Erika Crosby, several great nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Ms. Marilyn Gilliard

May 6, 1950 - September 6, 2023