Beatrice W. Gilliard, 65, of 1016 Kelley Street, a devoted mother and grandmother, departed into her final resting place on July 10, 2022 at Self Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones.  She was born in McCormick, SC on January 22, 1957 to the late James T. Wideman, Sr.  and Zelma Wideman, sharing the birth date with her father. 

Beatrice attended public schools in McCormick and studied some college courses in Charleston, SC.  Over the course of her career, she worked at Homemaker Rugs, John De La Howe School, McCormick County Correctional Institution, and Kroger as a lead service representative, and was an Official Poll Manager.  She definitely enjoyed customer service and serving others.

She was a member Shiloh AME Church where she was a member of the Praise Ensemble, Woman Aide Society #1 and assisted with class leadership. 

Beatrice had a vibrant personality and never met a stranger!  She loved to cook, was very photogenic and you could always catch her singing a song.  Daily inspiration and motivation was her passion, as she loved to message others at the start of the day.  She also loved to spend time with her family and friends, especially her children, close cousins and grandchildren.

Her father, James T. Wideman, Sr., preceded her in death.  and her brother, Gerald Wideman. 

Left to cherish her memories are her spouse, Darnell Gaillard of Ridgeville, SC; two children, Benae (Raumando) Thompson of Midway, GA; Donnae Gilliard of Orlando, FL; four siblings, Thelma Smith of McCormick, SC; James (Carolyn) Wideman, Jr. of Davidson, NC; Marie (Larry) Murphy of Easley, SC and Mitchell (Janice) of Myrtle Beach, SC; three grandchildren, A’Dayshae, Demetrius, and London; one great grandchild, Jordyn and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

She also leaves two special ladies who she loved dearly and spoke of often, Linda Cohen of Charleston, SC and Dr. Maria Walker of Atlanta, GA.