MEMORIE GILLIAM
Sales executive, DSV Global Transport and Logistics

“Life is so good, and I owe it all to God.”

Approaching four years of sobriety, Memorie Gilliam can hardly believe the life she has built for herself.

“I absolutely never dreamed of the life that I have today,” she said. Two years ago, she landed a full-time sales job in the oil and gas industry—“a very demanding job, but I love it,” she said. One year later, in September 2025, she was married, gaining not only a husband but also a fourth child.

“God has placed an amazing man in my life, and I have the best relationship with my babies today,” she said. “Life is so good, and I owe it all to God.”

Memorie was born in Fort Hood, Texas, on the army base. In early adulthood, she developed a substance abuse disorder and moved in with her grandmother.

“For about 20 years of my life, I battled drug addiction,” she said. “I never thought I would make it out alive and sane. I put myself in the most dangerous situations and around toxic people. I isolated myself from the ones I loved the most and put my addiction first and foremost. But [my grandmother] never quit praying for me, and I know she is smiling down from Heaven at everything she prayed for coming to pass. She would be so happy today with the woman I’ve grown into.”

Approaching their one-year anniversary, Memorie and Zachary are parents to Addisyn (15), Jayden (21), Max (11), and Cole (17). submitted photo

Memorie said that the Haven Homes addiction-recovery program changed her life. There, she said, she “was able to find Jesus and have a real relationship with him.” She also emphasized the importance of the Celebrate Recovery program at First Baptist Church. “This program has really been my backbone and saving grace,” she shared. “I found my true healing here, and it’s so amazing to see all the miracles walk through the door each week.” Memorie now serves as a leader and teacher in the program.

Memorie and her husband, Zachary, have a blended family of six. Memorie especially cherishes her relationships with her children, Jayden (21), Cole (17), Addisyn (15), and Max (11). Their faith in her inspires her every day.

“God and my family have never given up on me, and I want to say thank you to them for loving me so much,” she said.

Though she worked for many years as a hairdresser, Memorie is grateful for the stability of her current role as DSV sales executive.

“I loved making others feel good about themselves and beautiful [as a hairdresser], but I really appreciate [my current job],” she said. “I worked really hard to get it and [to get to] where I am today in life. I’ve been through some major struggles in my life, and having this opportunity [at DSV] on this side of things makes me really grateful for where I’m at.”

Memorie hopes that her story will act as a beacon of promise for those currently experiencing addiction and hardship. “For the one out there still struggling and who has no hope: God sees you and is waiting on you to come just as you are,” she said.

FSLM ASKED MEMORIE:

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A crime scene detective.

Name a girl or woman you admire.
My daughter, Addisyn. She has been through a lot with me and has grown into a God-fearing, super smart, beautiful young woman. I love you.

If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would you say?
I would tell my younger self to trust God’s timing, know her worth sooner, and stop doubting the strength that was already within her.

How Nicole Ford Sees Memorie:

“Memorie is a very good friend of mine. In fact, we have grown even closer over the past few months because she walked right by my side during one of the hardest seasons of my life thus far. Without hesitation, she showed up for me every single day and still continues to do so. We all need that one friend who will be there for you in any way they can be, and that is exactly what Memorie is for me. Memorie is a true friend, a sister in Christ, and someone I know will always be there for me. I have watched Memorie grow so much over the years. I have known her for about 12 years, and I have watched her walk through some difficult times. I have witnessed her lean into the Lord and get back up every time life tried to knock her down. Memorie has built a network of amazing women in the community and is always available to help other women walking through difficult times. She is also the kind of person who will stand by your side and cheer you on louder than anyone. Memorie has started an amazing career for herself and is newly married to a man who treats her right in every way that she deserves and more. It is so inspiring to me to think back to when her journey started and to where she has made it to today. Memorie has put in the hard work, and I am so proud of her. She never gave up, and she wasn’t going to stop until she built a beautiful life for herself, and that is exactly what she has today. I love her dearly and will cherish our friendship for years to come.”

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Tribute to Women: Memorie Gilliam