On October 10, 2026, Elma Lynn Gilliam Moats became absent from the body and present with her Lord. After a 12-year battle with cancer, she is pain free and joining with the angels around the throne singing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!”
Elma was born May 14, 1929, to Harmon Benton Gilliam and Venus Pearl Jennings Gilliam. She lived most of her life in Kingsport. She and her husband, John, with partners, “Chick” and Anita Jeter, owned and operated Motor Parts of Kingsport. She was a prayer warrior who considered her calling to intercessory prayer a privilege. She literally wore out several Bibles, and when her eyesight failed to the point where she could no longer read, she listened to it being read from her CD player. She was a long-time member of Kingsport First Assembly of God.
She was Bent and Pearl’s last living child. She is preceded in death by her sisters: Georgia Berneice Rich, Wilma Colleen Dennison, Nancy Elizabeth Ann Abbott, and Wanda Faye Addington and her brothers: Harold Edgar Gilliam and Dalton Chester Gilliam. She is survived by her two daughters: Pam Phillips (Tom) and Lisa Rouse (Jon), 5 grandchildren: John (Hannah), Benjamin (Elizabeth), Annie, Katie, and Joshua; and 3 great grandchildren: Everett, Arthur, and Miles. She was the last living aunt to the many nieces and nephews on both her and John’s sides of the family. She will be deeply missed by them all.
The family would like to say:
“Thank you!” to Dr. Jamal Maatouk and her team at the Johnson City office of Tennessee Oncology. Every team member made her feel special and deeply cared for. As we entered the doors, they called out, “Miss Elma!” and treated her like royalty throughout each visit.
“Thank you!” to the team at Balad Health Cancer Center in Kingsport. The monthly visits over years of treatments were like family reunions!
“Thank you!” to Dr. William Buselmeier and his team at Blue Ridge Family Medicine for their compassion and care, especially at the end.
There will be a Celebration of Her Life at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the Moats family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
I remember your beautiful mother fondly while growing up with Pam. She left a legacy with her two daughters!
10/21/2026
Wilma Templeton Willen
I will miss this precious, sweet Godly woman. She and my mom, Jo Ann, were "favorite" cousins and I treasure all the memories they shared of their younger years. I know there has been a lot of rejoicing in Heaven since Elma Lynn's homegoing. Loved this lady.
10/21/2026
Judy Gilliam Almaroad
Such a sweet lady and cousin. Prayers for everyone who knew and loved her.
10/19/2026
Connie Wilson
We sure will miss Aunt Elma! She was such a precious lady. Love & prayers,
Chris & Connie
10/19/2026
Jeannie Goins
I met Elma at least 40 years ago, when my family attended First Assembly of God. Elma was always one of the sweetest, kindest, and most Godly women I ever knew. Any time I ever saw her, even years after we had gone to church together, she always greeted me with a big smile and hug. If I ever asked her to pray for a person or a situation, I knew she would not forget and would lift the need to the Lord. She is now in her beautiful Heavenly Home with her beloved Saviour. See you one day soon, Precious Sister. I love you!
