Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church, Pinson, celebrated its longest serving deacon, Mickey Gilliland and his wife, Laura Lee, who is a charter member, with a special recognition July 12.
Current members of the church likely can’t remember a time without the Gillilands, who married in 1959, serving in some capacity. Mickey has been a deacon for 60 years, and Laura Lee a member for 80 years. She alternated playing the church piano and organ for many years.
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The church organized in 1946 as First Baptist Church Palmerdale, and Laura Lee’s family became the first official members. FBC Palmerdale merged with Grandview Baptist Church in 2015 to become Palmerdale Cross.
Deacon chair James Rogers said, “When you think of Mickey you think of steadfastness. Anytime someone asks me what kind of person I’d like to imitate, I think of Mickey and Laura Lee.”
‘Rock solid’
Rogers describes the couple as “rock solid prayer warriors.”
Up until very recently, Mickey would show up at and participate in every church work day, Rogers said.
On the occasion of Mickey’s 94th birthday this year, PCBC shared a post, saying, “Mickey has such a big heart for people and quietly works behind the scenes to care for families, meet needs and show the love of Christ in the most practical ways.”
Mickey said he has enjoyed his years of service and especially loved cooking for the Brotherhood Breakfasts.
According to their daughter, Leigh Anne, Mickey’s declining health has begun to keep him from the work he loves so much. The Gillilands have one daughter, three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren with one on the way.
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