“Those we have held in our arms for a short while, we hold in our hearts forever.”

- Author Unknown

PONTIAC — Our precious little angel, Denver Ray Joseph Gilliam, beloved infant son of Serenity Howard and Skyler Gilliam, of Pontiac, went to be with our lord on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Denver brought joy and happiness to everyone around him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date; details to come.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by paternal grandparents, Tabitha (Mello) Dennison, Christopher Gilliam, of Pontiac; maternal grandparents, David (Hali) Howard, of Clinton, Nicole (Eric) Winstead, of Pontiac; maternal great- grandparents, James (Mildred) Howard, of Clinton;  maternal great-grandparent, Tammy Willhoite; aunts on father’s side, Morgan Gilliam, Kialey Gilliam, Jayden Gilliam; Many Aunts and Uncles on Mother’s side, Mildred (Coty) McGhee, David (Victoria) Howard, Holly (Brandon) Howard, Whittney (Adam) Green, Destiny Howard, Ashton Howard, Carson Howard, Havana McGhee, Coty McGhee; maternal aunt, uncle and godparents, Mercedes (Justin) Lind and many other relatives who loved and cared for Denver.

The family would like to thank the NICU Team of OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois for the care provided to Denver and the entire family. The family appreciates the extended prayers and concerns during this time.