Obituary of Frederick Gilliam

Late Saturday night on March 14th, 2020, Frederick (Fred) C. Gilliam was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 63. He is survived by his three children: his son, Chadwick (Chad) A. Gilliam; daughter, Kelsey M. Arrington-Podraza; and daughter, Pierson B. Gilliam; and his two grandsons, Austin and Caiden Gilliam. Fred was born July 7th, 1956, to Marjorie Gilliam in Jersey City, New Jersey at the Margaret Haynes Memorial Hospital. As a single mother, Marjorie, made sure to keep young Fred active in school and in church. Here, he developed a strong love for music, singing, and a great love for God. Years later, Marjorie Gilliam married James A. Whitfield and moved from Jersey City to the suburbs of Plainfield, New Jersey. Fred was a winner early in his young life, excelling in education, music, and sports. He found his passion playing the guitar and piano. In sports, he dominated the basketball court. He went on to play on Plainfield's Varsity Basketball team and won the State Championship game in 1975. Both of his parents were in the church. His step-father, being a minister, encouraged Fred to follow the path into ministry. At the age of 17, God called Fred into ministry and he was quick to answer the call. He was a young and strong preacher with a very powerful delivery. Fred served in ministry for 40 years, fellowshipping with people to learn of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. His ministry has touched many souls and lives over the years from the corners of New York, New Jersey, Jamaica, Aruba, Saint Thomas, Antigua, and Barbados. Fred found his church home with Lighthouse Deliverance Ministries in Woodbine, NJ. He served as Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Executive Board since 1992. Fred continued his education and graduated from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 1990, having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Fred was a hardworking man and, after driving for several companies, found his career in transportation management with New Jersey Transit where he spent 35 years of his life. He then went on to work for the Capital District of Transportation Authority (CDTA) as the Director of Transportation, before retiring as Chief Operating Officer for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. His work never went unnoticed and it was the energy he possessed that radiated positive feedback from all who surrounded. He will be forever missed. May your memories of him forever leave joy in your heart. Chanisa L. Gilliam