Emma Dora Thigpen Gilliard, age 99, of Douglas GA passed away on July 04, 2010, at Shady Acres Convalescent, Douglas GA. Mrs. Gilliard, a native of Atkinson County, GA was born June 25, 1911; she is the daughter of the late James Andrew, Sr. and Sarah Rebecca Burch Thigpen and the widow of the late George Washington Gilliard. Sons, Robert, Larry and Leroy Gilliard preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held 4:00 PM, Wednesday, July 07, 2010 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Burial to follow in the Mt. Pleasant Church Cemetery in Atkinson County, GA. The family will receive friends at Sims Funeral Home on Tuesday, calling hours are 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Survivors include: Daughters, Eloise Spivey and Louise (Richard) Wilson Douglas, GA, Sons, Rev. Ed (Marie) Gilliard, Leo (Barbara) Gilliard and Reavis Gilliard, Douglas GA, Rev. Talmadge (Louise H) Gilliard, Millwood GA, Brother, James Andrew, Jr., Waycross GA, Sisters-in-law, Evelyn Rowell Thigpen, Rhoda Cox and Amy Lou Gilliard. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.