Emma Lou Gilyard

Mrs. Emma Lou Soilberry Gilyard was born on March 26, 1936, in Terrell County, Georgia, to Henry Soilberry and Lula Seay Soilberry. She was the firstborn child. At an early age, Emma accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She joined First Kiokee Missionary Baptist Church in Sasser, Georgia. Emma was educated in the Terrell County School System. Throughout her lifetime, she held various jobs in the textile industry and in domestic services. In June 1963, she became the bride of Johnny H. Gilyard. She was the mother of seven children: Emma Jean, Henry, Walter, Jimmie D., Diane, Willie C., and Richard. Everyone knew Emma as a very loving person. Being a kindhearted person, she did whatever she could to assist others who were sick or just in need of something to help them along. She would cook and feed the hungry. Her kindness and generosity will be missed. On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Emma departed this life. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two children, Willie C. Soilberry and Richard L. Soilberry; three sisters, Rosanna Thomas, Ella Perry, and Julia Soilberry; and eight brothers, Fletcher Soilberry, Willie Soilberry, D.L. Soilberry, Walter Soilberry, John Soilberry, David Soilberry, Larry Soilberry, and John Henry Soilberry. Precious memories of Emma will linger on with those who loved her, including her children, Emma Jean Moses of Preston GA, Henry L. Soilberry of Sasser, GA, Walter Gilyard (Cathy) of Zion, IL, Jimmie D. Soilberry (Ursula) of Sasser, GA, and Diane Gilyard Hammond of Sasser, GA; her grandson raised like a son, George Hammond; brothers, Deacon Wade Soilberry (Thelma) of Sasser, GA, and Willie Thomas; sisters-in-law, Lilly Soilberry, Brenda Gilyard, and Josephine Soilberry; brother-in-law, Deacon R.L Gilyard; special nephew, Ronald Soilberry; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.