Paula Y. Gillard Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paula Yvonne Gillard was born on October 19, 1948, to the late Deacon David and Deaconess Daisy Gillard (nee Berry). Paula and her six siblings came from humble beginnings, as their mother and father committed to two things: raising their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and showing them how to appreciate the wonderful things life has to offer. That faithfulness and love of life would prove beneficial over the course of her life, and this was especially true when she had to face the daunting diagnosis of a life-threatening cancer. Paula’s approach to battling the disease was to pray, praise and fervently make clear to her doctor (and anyone else) whenever she had the chance, “I want to live”. And live she did; for over two more years. But even the fiercest of warriors are called home and the Lord saw fit for Paula to go home on November 28, 2020. She was 72 years old. Paula attended Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated in 1966 from Eastern High School. After graduating from high school, Paula began her professional career with the Social Security Administration in 1967, and remained there for the next 37 years. In fact, her entire professional career was spent at the SSA. During this time, she completed college courses through Morgan State University, the Community College of Baltimore City and the Baltimore County Community College. In 2004, she was blessed to retire as a GS-14 Branch Chief. Throughout her career, she was an encourager to many, and served as a mentor with the Project Raise Program. She mentored a young lady and remained friends with her into adulthood. Paula believed her successful professional career was a reflection of the unmerited favor of God. A faithful servant of the Most High, Paula’s Christian journey began at her beloved Fountain Baptist Church, where at the age of six, she and her sister and partner-in-crime Joyce, walked to the front of the church to give their lives to the Lord. They were baptized together in 1954. Like most young people, Paula drifted away from the church, but when she returned, she was committed and faithful, and was truly a servant leader. In addition to serving on various committees over the years, including the 2004 Pulpit Search Committee, she was a member of the following Ministries: Deaconess and Trusteettes (President and Vice President), Sunday school (Teacher), and the Prayer Circle, a group of dedicated prayer warriors who routinely prayed for individuals and the corporate wellness of the Fountain Baptist Church. Although Paula enjoyed serving quietly, in 2016 she was recognized during the Annual Homecoming Celebration for her commitment and service to the Kingdom of God at the Fountain Baptist Church. Paula loved the Fountain Baptist Church and her church family, but she loved worship most of all. She loved being able to praise the Lord from the call to worship through the benediction. Just being in the holy edifice was what made Paula’s week complete. Paula’s life was full. She loved to travel and have a good time with family and friends. But no moment made her prouder than when she gave birth to her only child, her daughter Geri Elena in 1976. And like in all things, Paula raised Geri with a commitment and passion that was filled with love. She fully participated in PTA, attended field trips and forever encouraged her daughter that she was capable of more than she ever thought possible. Their relationship over the years blossomed from mother-daughter to best friends. Paula was independent, determined and if you had the pleasure of knowing her well, you knew that she loved to laugh. She and her siblings always found a way to laugh, even if it was at each other’s expense. Their tradition of witty/creative banter passed down through the generations as she established special relationships with each of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. To her family, she was known for always having to be right, which led to her nickname, Mrs. Etched-in-Stone, because once she made up her mind about something, there was little that could be done to change it. She also loved to be loving. She was generous in the most meaningful yet quiet way; never making known what she had done to help someone else. Her smile always filled the room, but if you really wanted to see Paula light up, you would have to see her with her grandchildren. They each quickly grew close to their “Gigi” and got so excited every time they knew they were going to see her. And though her time with them was short, she undoubtedly will leave a mark on them forever. Paula Yvonne Gillard leaves to hold her memory and legacy, her daughter Geri Elena Strother, son-in-law Spencer Strother, and their two children Emmett Henry and Rhodes Ellington; her siblings Ruby McLendon (James McLendon, Sr.), Joyce Gillard, James Gillard, Antia Gillard, Alvin Gillard (Brenda Gillard) and sister-in-law Joyce Ann Gillard; her nieces and nephews, Scott Gillard, Tanyelle Spicer, James McLendon, Jr. (Errin McLendon), Nicole James, Chris McLendon, Leslie Gillard and Morgan Gillard, as well as grand-nieces and nephews, Kristen Gillard (children Amari and Myles), Sean McLendon, Joshua McLendon and Jourdan Thompson and many other family members. She also leaves a host of dear friends, including but not limited to Shelley Jackson, Janice Brown, Tina Nesbitt, Linda Jenkins, Jackie Booker, Gwen Murray, Beverly Parker, Sandra Moody, Elizabeth Dyett, Harriet Lockhart and Desiree Prioleau to name a few. She’s reunited in glory with her parents, David and Daisy Gillard, brother Robert Gillard and niece Jennifer McLendon. Lovingly submitted by her family

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Paula Y. Gillard

October 19, 1948 - November 28, 2020