Eileen Gilliam (Pilgrim) Powers

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Eileen Gilliam (Pilgrim) Powers, 77, of Kingsport, was called home on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.  She was born in Jenkins, KY on October 29, 1941 and resided most of her life in Kingsport, TN.  She was a gracious lady who always treated others with kindness.  Eileen will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her dearly.  She especially loved children, her family and friends, and had a special place in her heart for animals. Eileen was a strong Christian lady who loved to read and study the bible. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Her passion for baton twirling began at the age of four when she surprisingly jumped into the parade in Kingsport and began marching with her baton following the band majorettes. She was the head majorette for the Dobyns-Bennett High School marching band for three years.  Eileen was recognized at the ETSU summer baton clinic as one of three outstanding baton twirlers. She had the honor of being chosen to perform during the clinic with Claudette Riley, who was Miss Majorette of America, and Ada Ragan.  She graduated from West High School in Knoxville and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and East Tennessee State University.

She was a member of the Dames Club and the Junior Women’s Club in Radford, VA. She enjoyed teaching many students baton twirling in Radford, VA. She also enjoyed serving in the Junior League of Kingsport. One of her interests was playing duplicate bridge.

Eileen loved raising children, and had helped take care of the children at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Nursery School.

In her later years, she was dedicated to raising her grandson, Scott Powers, of the home. She also loved entertaining her great-grandson, Bentley Hereford. She will be remembered for her kindness, loving heart, and great sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorce Kent Gilliam and Faustina Fleming Gilliam, and grandparents, Butler and Lilly Fleming, and Wilburn and Della Gilliam.

Eileen is survived by her four children, Forrest Dean Pilgrim III (Susan) of West Grove, PA, Cheri Pilgrim Hereford (Dr. John) of Kingsport, Jonathan Maxwell Powers of Kingsport, and David Kent Powers of Kingsport; six grandchildren, John Robert Hereford II, Lauren Elizabeth Hereford, Scott Fleming Powers, Jonathan Denver Powers, Ryeland Garrel Powers, and Alice Honeycutt Powers; and one great-grandchild, Bentley Alexander Hereford.

The family will receive friends from 12-2:00 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with The Rev. Dr. Anna Brawley officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Mark Widener, Eric Greer, Hank Hankins, John Robert Hereford II, Scott Powers, Henry Bailey and Tom Widener.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 161 E. Ravine Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660.