Mr. Johnny Lee Gilyard

“The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world”

John 1:9

Johnny Lee Gilyard was born on June 29, 1956, in Columbia, South Carolina.  He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at Kershaw Health Hospital, Camden, South Carolina.

Johnny spent his early life in the State Park Community in Columbia, South Carolina.  He attended the public schools of Richland County School District Two, graduating from Spring Valley High School.  At an early age, he attended Zion Canaan Baptist where his mother made sure her children attended faithfully.

Johnny worked as a counselor and mentor at Morris Village and Midlands Center.  He was married to the late Mrs. Lavern Mickens Gilyard.  To this union three sons were born. 

Johnny’s life was his family; and his love for his family was true to the end.  His three “boys” were his heart.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship which will truly be missed by all.  

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, the late Alonzo, Sr. and Lillie Mae Brown Gilyard; his former wife, Lavern; and brother, Alonzo Gilyard, Jr. 

Johnny is survived by his sons, Timple Exeria O’Shay Gilyard, Ashanta Kinta (Tanisha) Gilyard and Byran Jonte’u (Alicia) Gilyard; sisters, Ginger (Ronald) Benjamin, Willie Mae (Alfred) Hammonds, Gloria Gilyard, Wanda Gilyard Brown (who passed away on June 4, 2019); brothers, Larry Gilyard, Roosevelt (Marguette) Gilyard, Ricky (Mary) Gilyard; sister-in-law, Pat (the late Alonzo) Gilyard; an uncle, Raymond Gilyard, Brooklyn, NY; aunt, Loretta Garvin, of Branchville, SC; aunts-in-law, Arletha and Erma Gilyard, both of Brooklyn, NY and Angie Gilyard, of Charleston, SC; six grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. 

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