Published: Dec. 6, 2018
The Sparrow Women’s Board of Managers and the Sparrow Volunteer Services Department have named Bernie Gilliam the December volunteer of the month. Gilliam has volunteered for the Sparrow Service Auxiliary (Gift Shop) for 31 years serving in many capacities, such as, a Day Group leader, trainer, cashier, Gift Shop Co-Manager and currently, treasurer. She is said to be always available to step in when extra help is needed. She taught herself the computer system used in the shop and is always ready to assist others. No matter what the task, Bernie Gilliam can handle it with grace, good humor and intelligence.
Originally from Constantine, Michigan, just South of Kalamazoo, Gilliam moved to Lansing in 1960 and married Bill in 1968. They were married for 27 years when Bill passed away in 1995. They had three children, daughter, Kerilyn and two sons, Bill and Bob. She now has five grandchildren and has delighted in showing other volunteers in the shop pictures of her family, as well as bringing them into the shop occasionally. She spends her extra time attending their sporting events as well as dance recitals and school pageants. They all enjoy family restaurant adventures across Michigan.
In her working days, she worked in computers for a farm implement company and for many years as an Educational Assistant at Post Oak School, retiring when her first grandchild was born. It was teachers and aids from Post Oak and Fairview Schools that told her about volunteering at Sparrow.
The Sparrow Women’s Board takes great pride in honoring volunteers like Bernie Gilliam who share their time and talent for the benefit of Sparrow’s patients and families. To learn more about volunteering at Sparrow, please visit Sparrow.org or call our office at 517-364-3606, Option 1.