Clarence A. Gilyard, Sr., a servant of our most High God, gained his wings December 28, 2020, at 1:34 am, leaving from Hammond, Louisiana. Clarence enjoyed a full career in the United States Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant. After retiring, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Marriage, Child and Family Counseling from Chapman College, Orange, California. He started a new career as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Californina, from which he retired in 1996. He is surived by his wife, better known as his “Honey”, Wanda Lovelady Gilyard; 2 daughters, Karen Gilyard (Robert), and Barbara Jean Alexandera, both of Los Angeles, CA; 4 sons, Clarence Gilyard, Jr., (Alaina), Las Vegas, NE, Reginald Gilyard (Suji), Los Angeles, CA, Gerald Gilyard (Richelle), Yakama, WA, and Milton Gilyard, Los Angeles, CA; children through the union of Wanda and Clarence, Brian Salter (Maria), Bay St. Louis, MS, and Timothy Salter (Joy), Lafayette, LA. He is also survived by his siblings, Roy Gilyard, (Carol), Columbus, GA, Eula Lewis and Thelma McCrainey (Manuel), New Orleans, LA, Ola Bailey, Jackson, MS; a brother in law, Michael Bowers; 3 sisters-in-law, Ada Gilyard, Westwego, LA, Ireatha Gilyard, New Orleans, LA, and Maxine Gilyard, Bellflower, CA; 16 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Philip Gilyard, Sr., and Ella Green Gilyard; 2 sisters, Victoria Young and Elaine Bowers; 3 brothers, Philip Gilyard, Jr., August Gilyard, and Wilmer Gilyard; 2 brothers-in-law, Rev. Louis Bailey and Robert Young; and one son from the union of Wanda and Clarence, Tony Salter. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Due to Covid 19, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
