Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home
Mr. Darnell Gillam was born on April 1, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Mr. Duane Gillam and Mrs. Dorothy (Anderson) Wallace. Darnell’s family relocated to Cassopolis, Michigan, when Darnell was young. He attended Cassopolis High School and later enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country and was honorably discharged July 1, 1972. Darnell was united in marriage on May 5, 2003 to Ms. Jennie Carter, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Darnell was employed with the Newton County School System (Eastside High School) until his health failed.
Darnell was well liked by people and was an inspiration to others. He loved to make people laugh and enjoyed playing video games and watch T.V. shows like; Duck Dynasty, Honey Boo Boo and Swamp People. He also loved to talk about life experiences and his family, fishing and listening to music.
He departed to another life, August 9, 2014 at his home after a long battle with Liver Cancer. He was preceded in death by, his father, Mr. Duane Gillam, loving sister, Mrs. Diane B. Berry and Dad, Mr. Joseph (Pops) Wallace.
Darnell leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife, Mrs. Jennie Gillam, mother, Mrs. Dorothy Wallace, second mother, Mrs. Joyce Gillam, three step-daughters, Teresa (Derick) Carter, Patricia (J.C.) Williams, both of Jackson, MS and Mr. & Mrs. LaWanda (Willie) Flowers, Pickens, MS, one step-son, Mr. Kondwani Beathea, Muskegon Heights, MI, six brothers and six sisters, Duane Jermone (Donna) Gillam, of Cassopolis, MI, Joey Wallace, of San Diego, CA, Joy (Joseph) Decker of South Bend, IN, Jean Wallace-Howard, of SHAPE, Belgium, Joan Wallace, of Kalamazoo, MI, Elaine (Gary) Hart, of Upper Marlboro, MD, Jeff (Elizabeth) Gillam, of Cassopolis, MI, Teal (Darryl) Jones, of Three Rivers, MI, Melanie (David) Gray, Chicago, Il, Kelly (Annette) Gillam, Niles, MI, Damon Gillam, Cassopolis, MI, Trevor (Sharon) Gillam, of Phoenix, AZ and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at Eastside High School Auditorium, 10245 Eagle Drive. Family and friends served as flower attendants. Duane Gillam, Perry Gillam, Walter Lee, Cliff Vernon, Charles Jordan and Hermon Moore served as honorary pallbearers.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair, perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say, perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day, whatever, you did to console our hearts, we thank you so very much.
