Ciara Gilliam

Ciara passed away August 23, 2022. A visitation was held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at the Henderson's Chapel from 5-7pm. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at True Bible Baptist Church starting at 1pm.

Ciara Rose Tionia Gilliam was the only child born to the union of Robert and Karletha Gilliam. She was born on October 29, 1999, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. Ciara was affectionately nicknamed Doodlebug, Doodle, Cici McGee, and C. At a very early age, it was clear that there was something special about Ciara. Her infectious smile and magnanimous personality lit up a room. Ciara was athletic and enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, and track and field. She won many awards and accolades (e.g., ribbons, medals, trophies, and was feature in multiple news articles), while participating in track and field with Iowa Central Excaliburs and AnkenyXtreme Track Clubs. Ciara was an all-around athlete.

In 2018, Ciara Graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School.

Ciara had many special relationships which included a strong and loving bond with her parents. She would call them several times a day. Ciara called and Facetimed her mother every day. They talked about everything imaginable that a mother and daughter could share. They had a bond and a relationship that could not be broken. When Ciara and her mother would lovingly disagree regarding something that made Ciara uncomfortable, in an innocent tone she would respond, "Could you not Mom."

Similarly, to her mother, Ciara had a close relationship with her dad. They were amazing to watch as they interacted. Ciara and her dad were always together when he was in town. On every phone call Ciaras opening line to him was HEY!!! Dad!! Affectionately, they drove each other crazy. She always loved being with her parents anytime she got the chance, as well as family.

Ciara had a special relationship with her maternal and paternal grandparents. She loved spending time with them. As a young child, Ciara looked forward to spending summers in Cape Girardo, Missouri, with her late Grandmother Jane Mallory-Tuggle and Grandfather Norman Tuggle. Ciara and her late Grandfather Jesse Baugh were inseparable.

Ciara truly adored her paternal Grandfather Clay. They attended football games at the University of Iowa; and often ate dinner at the Urban Grill in Urbandale, Iowa; and she engaged in political dialogues with Grandpa Clay. She knew how to get him "worked up." Her time with Grandma Carole was spent doing "girly" things. They enjoyed getting manicures, pedicures, shopping, and talked about learning the skills to properly care for house plants.

Ciara always maintained employment and loved being a Team Lead at Walmart in Newton, Iowa. Most recently, she was in the Manager Trainee program at Menards in Ankeny, Iowa.

Ciara considered her two cats, Patchy Poo and Shadow Baby, her children. They shared Ciaras personality and attitude. Upon returning home from work, Patchy Poo and Shadow Baby would eagerly run to meet her or anxiously wait for her in the window. They absolutely loved Ciara. Many times, Ciara would look at Patchy Poo and Shadow Baby and sweetly say, "You just think I am a can opener," referring to opening their cans of food.

Personally, Ciara was friendly and selfless; she was a true giver that loved others. Ciara was known to sacrifice her own happiness to see others smile and find joyfulness. She had many friends, was energetic, and personable, and at the same she had an inner quietness that she protected.

Ciaras hobbies and interests included a passion for painting, caring for multiple household plants, as well as her love for traveling. One of her favorite places to visit was the mountains in Colorado, where she felt calmness, peacefulness, and serenity. Sadly, on August 23, 2022, at age 22, Ciara transitioned from this life to eternity. She leaves to mourn her early departure: parents Robert and Karletha, Grandparents: Clayton Gilliam, Robert and Carole Harding. Her beloved cats: Patchy Poo and Shadow Baby. Siblings: Alyse Jones, Michael Jordan, Jr., Frank Gilliam, Gregory White, Kiara Whitney, Caprice Gilliam, Angelo Gilliam, Jaylyse Gilliam, Laionna Gilliam, and Milez Gilliam. Aunts and Uncles: Jeff (Natalie) Harding, John (Kirsten) Harding, Jenny Harding, Jennifer Daye, Sarah Eckles, Leslie Gilliam, Trolease (George) Lee, Albert Harris Jr. Teselean Davidson, Tarenia (Jeremy) Reliford, Lakeshia Whitehead, Sheldon Whitehead, Jessica Whitehead, Trina Whitehead, Justin Whitehead, Cameron Whitehead and Mercedes Whitehead, and a host of cousins. Preceding her death were her maternal Grandmother Jane Mallory-Tuggle, Grandfather Norman Tuggle, paternal Grandfather Jesse Baugh Jr, and Grandmother Glenda Baugh.

In Ciaras beautiful memory and words, her loving message rings loudly to her family as she encourages them to unite, love one another, and continue to be supportive of one another.