Dorothy Rose Gilliam

Dorothy R. Gilliam, 97, of Atlantic Beach, FL, went home to her Heavenly Father on December 2, 2025. She was born in November 14,1928 in Longview, MS. She grew up in Oviedo, FL. She earned her BA in music at Peabody College (Vanderbilt), Nashville, TN, and her MA degree at the University of Connecticut.

She married naval officer Randy Gilliam, in Key West, FL, in 1953. When Randy was released from active duty in 1953, they moved to Storrs, CT, where he was a physics professor at the University of Connecticut and they raised three children.

Dorothy taught public school music in Nashville, TN, Gainesville, FL, Mansfield, CT, Windham, CT and Coventry, CT. Underpinning it all, Dottie Rose was a woman of deep Christian faith with a desire to help others, particularly those less fortunate. In 1986, Dorothy retired from teaching, which enabled her to accompany Randy on several trips to Europe for Randy’s sabbaticals and scientific presentations.

In 2010, Dorothy and Randy became residents of Fleet Landing Retirement Community in Atlantic Beach, FL, where they took advantage of the services provided and the cultural enrichment programs offered.

Despite having dementia, Dorothy retained her cheerful disposition and a grateful heart. She recognized her husband and daughters, Laura and Martha, even in her final days. The family wishes to thank all the Fleet Landing staff for their genuine love and care of Dorothy.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 72 years, Otis R. Gilliam of Atlantic Beach, FL; their three children PR Gilliam (Cindy) of Berkley, MA; Laura G. Piersall (Randy) of Westerville, OH, and Martha G. Hollomon (Mark) of Newark, DE; and three grandchildren. She is preceded by her parents, Harold Henry and Ora Marlowe Link, and her two brothers, Marlowe (Geneva) and Alfred (Henrietta) Link.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, ALZFDN.org/donate or the Fleet Landing Endowment Fund, One Fleet Landing Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL. Jacksonville Beach, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fleet Landing (Johnson Hall) at 2:30 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025.