Thedora Gilliam was born September 12, 1942 to Theodore and Vesther Gilliam in Mayflower, Arkansas. She was the fourth of six children. Family relocated to Conway, Arkansas, and there graduated from Pine Street School.

She attended California State University, Sacramento, CA receiving both Associate and Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing. She worked in the field as a nurse for over 45-years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, ex-husband, Merl Vaden, one brother, Arthur Gilliam and one sister, Josephine Gilliam Anderson.
Thedora is survived by her son, Theodore, sisters, Erma Perry, Dorothy Mitchell and Annette Gilliam along with cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many other family members and friends.