"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens."       2nd Corinthians 5:1

April Nicole Gilliam was born on May 26, 1983, to Rev. James and Delores Gilliam.  She was a graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School.  She furthered her education with a Bachelor's Degree from Salem College in Communications. April was fluent in Spanish and gifted in electronics. April was a very bright astute young lady. She was a friendly, good natured and affable person.

Spiritually, she was a faithful member of Antioch Christian Church where she sang on the ACC Combined Choir, President of the Program Committee, Substitute Sunday School Teacher and Church Communications Director.  She had a very creative mind when it came to the seasonal decorations in the church.

April was a former Pharmacy Technician at CVS, Instructor at Harris Teeter and was currently employed with Old Navy.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, seven uncles, one devoted cousin and four aunts. She departed this life Tuesday January 20, 2026 at her residence.

April leaves cherished memories to her parents, Rev. James and Delores Gilliam; her brother Rev. Adrian Gilliam; aunts Gloria Gilliam, Ethel Brown, Barbara Brown and Mamie Blakney; one niece, Olivia; one nephew, James "JT"; a play brother, Keenon Robinson;  a host of loving cousins including her devoted cousins, Charlene (Alvester) Barren, Curtis (Sherry) Gilliam; a host of loving family and  friends, including her devoted friends, Tasha (Tristan) Matthews, Thomas and Blake of Chicago, Brenda Alston (Jerome) Gordon of Greensboro and Kimberly "Sissy" (Joseph) Malachi.

She was loved by her Antioch Christian Church Family and the West Hill Ministry Community.

As we gather to celebrate April's life, we find comfort in the words of Nehemiah 8:10: "Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Though we will miss her beautiful smile and charismatic spirit, we take solace in knowing that she has found peace in the arms of Christ Jesus who welcomed her home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Wednesday February 4, 2026 in the chapel of Hooper Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30 am-12:00 pm at the funeral home.

SERVICES ARE POSTPONED FOR TODAY AND HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR:

Wednesday February 4, 2026 at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Hooper Funeral Home. Visitation: 11:30 am-12pm. Her remains may be viewed Tuesday February 3, 2026 from 9am-5pm at the funeral home.