Mrs. Anita Stanback Gilliam peacefully passed away at her home on Monday, December 17, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was born to the late Hector Thomas Stanback and Sadie Bell Knight Stanback in Raeford, NC on January 19, 1936. She was also preceded in death by two siblings, Thomas and Gwendolyn.

Anita attended the local public schools and was a 1953 graduate of Armstrong High School in Washington, DC. She was of the Baptist faith and a devoted homemaker.

Survivors include Reverend Reuben Gilliam, Sr., her husband of 66 years; their children, Reuben (Cherryl) Gilliam, Jr., Adrian (Valarie) Gilliam, Elliot (Lorraine) Gilliam, Anita Gilliam, Leslie (Robert) Hairston and Lynnette (Reggie) Moore; 21 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 14 great, great grandchildren; 5 sisters and brothers; a sister-in-law, Mamie P. Gilliam; many nieces, nephews, several extended family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, December 21, 2018 at Mount Zion Baptist Church. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church, at 2pm. Interment will be at Salisbury National Cemetery.