Mahala Gilliam, 99, of Cape Girardeau, died Aug. 19, 2010, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Sept. 1, 1910 at Marvell, Ark., to the late Bob Herbert and Mammie Kines.

She was united in marriage to Son Smith, who preceded her in death. On March 29, 1939, she was united in marriage to Garland Gilliam, who also preceded her in death, in 1992.

She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

She is survived by three sons, James Smith of St. Louis, Garland B. Gilliam of Detroit, Elijah Gilliam of Little Rock, Ark.; four daughters, Bertha Smith Shackerford of St. Louis, Gloria Gilliam Taylor and Dianna Gilliam Carter of Cape Girardeau, Georgia Gilliam Barrow of Chicago; 34 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Second Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will begin at noon Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Cecil Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in New Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Williams Funeral Home of Charleston, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.