Essie Walters Guilliams

Essie Josephine Walters Guilliams is resting in the arms of Jesus after a long, hard struggle with death. She left this old world on October 25, 2010, and it will never be the same. Essie was born in Callaway, VA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Della Pate Walters. She was the widow of Clarence E. Guilliams. Essie was the mother of eleven children, eight still surviving. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Anita Muriel Guilliams, Joyce Marie Martin; and an infant son. Essie is survived by five daughters and three sons, Hansford Hank Guilliams, Sylvia G. Hedden (Lyle), E. Lane Guilliams (Geraldine), Brenda G. Pickett (Neil), Wanda G. Bishop (Tommy), Linda G. Perdue (David), Barry Guilliams (Rhonda), and Renee Beasley (Mike). She had ten brothers and sisters, all deceased, sisters, Minnie, Annie, Ora Pat, Ida and Violet; and brothers, Wesley, Sam, Tom, Stanley and Despain Dee. She had a special niece, Delano Webb, whom she considered a sister. She had twenty-five grandchildren, two deceased, Christian Chris Stallings and Melissa Guilliams. Surviving grandchildren are Jenell, Della, Christine, Dawn, Charles Chuck, Andy, Lori and Julie, John, Wanda, Joe, Randy, Lisa, Synora, Brian, Greg, Tammy, Michelle, Shane, Trad, Carmen, Colby, Joshua, and Brandon. She had twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, the youngest girl named Josephine in her honor. She was a member of Yorkminster Baptist Church since it was established. Gods most precious and treasured gift is the love of a mother. We will forever cherish the love and beauty she gave us. This beautiful, precious lady touched the hearts of everyone she met and was loved by all. She was a shining light, whose love, mercy and grace were shown to all, no matter who you were. Her small hands held amazing strength. She will continue to stand tall beside Jesus. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, in the chapel of Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, in Walters Family Cemetery, in Callaway, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-521.