I was born and raised in Lexington, SC. I am the "baby" daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James W. "Jim" Kleckley, Sr. I have two older brothers, Wade and Bryan who both still live in the Columbia area. I graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School and was very active in my church youth group. During my high school years, the SC Conference graciously sent Rev. James "Jim" O. Gilliam, Jr. and his sweet family to my home church, Brookland UMC in West Columbia, SC. I met his oldest son, James "Jim" O. Gilliam, III and we became the best of friends. We dated through high school and while I was attending Columbia College. I graduated with a BA in Social Work and we were married that same fall. (Note: Rev. George Riser was my pastor by then and he and Jim's dad married us.)
Prior to our marriage, Jim's dad moved to Lee Road UMC in Taylors, SC and that church has been our home since then. At Lee Road, I have served on many committees and in many volunteer roles primarily focused in the children and youth areas. Currently, I serve as Youth Age Level Coordinator. I am also a member of the Chancel Choir and enjoy that as well as teaching the Youth Sunday School class and assisting in various capacities in the youth program.
We live in the northern area of Greenville County near Tigerville. We have two sons, James " Jay" O. Gilliam, IV, age 20, a rising junior English-Education major at Presbyterian College and Luke Taylor Gilliam, age 15, a rising junior at Blue Ridge High School. My husband, Jim works as an Environmentalist in for the SC Dept. of Environmental Control (DHEC). He is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford. His parents, since retiring from active ministry, live next to us in the country, facing the mountains and share custody of our two dogs, Jumbo, a 6 year old black Lab and Daisy, our 8 year old border collie. My other hobbies include reading, antique shopping, scrapbooking, walking and spending time with family and friends.
I have always loved and greatly respected the ministry of the United Methodist Church. I enjoy my work together with all of you in the Greenville District Office and across our Conference.
Blessings and prayers to you,
Rhonda K. Gilliam
