Clarence W. Gilyard

Mr. Clarence W. Gilyard, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at his residence. Age 70 years. He was born on September 25, 1946 in Heath, Arkansas to James and Pashion Gilyard.

Clarence moved to Saginaw, Michigan with his family in the sixties. He attended Saginaw Public Schools and was a graduate of Arthur Hill Technical High School. Clarence worked for General Motors (Flint Division), retiring in 1999. He was a member of UAW Local 459. Clarence married his sweetheart, Shirley Wilson, in 2007. He enjoyed playing and listening to gospel and blues music. Clarence also enjoyed playing games and studying on the computer. He and his wife Shirley formed their second family, the Gospel Trumpets in 2011. This family consisted of Rhonda Roach, Junetta Manson, Deshon Ramsey, Dorothy Wilson, Miles Franklin, Felicia Cole, Trishton Ramsey and Devontae Cole.

He leaves to cherish loving memories his devoted wife, Shirley Gilyard, Saginaw, Michigan; one daughter, Wendy (Dactrick) Dunn; two sons, Clarence Gilyard, Jr. and Zachery Gilyard; eight step-children, Kesha, Betsy, John, Victor, Katrice, Shatoya Wilson, Janice and Willie Roundtree; twenty-nine grandchildren; special granddaughter, Robbin Hardy; twenty-three great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Jackson, Chicago, Illinois; three brothers, Percy Gilyard, Elijah (Gwen) Gilyard, and James Gilyard; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; mother-in-law, Dorothy Wilson; four sisters-in-law, Sarah Barber, Alma Stewart, Katie (Alden) Payne and Clara Wilson; one brother-in-law, Pastor Miles (Kanah) Franklin; many other relatives and friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, James and Pashion Gilyard; four sisters, Florence, Stella, Lorraine, and Margaret; three brothers, Thomas, Willie, and Edward; father-in-law, Deacon Wilson; sister-in-law, Luttie Gilyard; and Pastor Jacob Gaines.

The family would like to express thanks to St. Mary’s Oncology staff and Nurse Donna of Hospice.