Sharon Kaye Gilliam, 74, of Black Rock, passed from this life on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Walnut Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Walnut Ridge. She was born on January 22, 1951, in Batesville to the late Robert Lathan and Rita Leota (Freeman) Long. She was united in marriage to Hershel Gilliam on October 11, 1971, in Lynn. Sharon was a homemaker and of the Christian belief. She loved art and treasured her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her daughter, Joyce Smith, and her siblings, Pam Smith, Bobby Long, and Sheila Long.

She is survived by her husband, Hershel Gilliam of the home; her children, Robert Gilliam (Elizabeth Stadterman) of Bentonville, and Rhonda Davis (Steve) of Portia; siblings, Waymon Long (Kathy) of Batesville and Brandy Long; brother-in-law, David Smith of Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren, Lathan (Ashley), Makenzie (Dylan), Oakley, and Nicole; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, with a Celebration of Life to follow immediately at 6:00 p.m. Mitch Bell will officiate. Sharon's final resting place will be in Union Cemetery near Dowdy at a later date