Kasandra Rhymes Gilliam of Rockford departed this earthly life January 4, 2022. She was born June 12, 1950 in Rockford the daughter of Emmanuel and Annie Rhymes. Kasandra married James Gilliam, May 4, 1988. She was employed as a bus driver by Milwaukee County Transit and Rockford Mass Transit many years  before retiring. Kasandra was a member of New Fellowship Baptist Church.

She graduated from Auburn High School, later to attend the University of Wisconsin.

Kasandra leaves to cherish many loving memories, her husband James; sons, Marlin Phillips, James (Teresa) Rhymes, Phillip (Lisa) Rhymes, Erik Collins, John (Erica) Rhymes and James Brown; daughters, LaShonda Gilliam, Lisa Killebrew and Tracey Brown; 15 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren; two brothers, Ronnie (Rochelle) Boyd and Mathew Robinson; two sisters, Marylin McKenzie and Rosie Parker; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Ann Rhynes and Bessie Walker; and brother, James Shotwell.

Memorial Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.