Betty Lou Wiggins Gilyard, 78, of Palatka, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal on Friday, March 27, 2020 at Putnam Community Medical Center, Palatka. The daughter of Horace and Mary Alice (DeLoach) Wiggins, she was born on Friday, April 25, 1941 in Beaufort, SC. At an early age the Wiggins family relocated to St. Augustine. She was educated in the St. Johns County School District at R.J. Murray High School (Class of 1960). Due to the untimely demise of her loving mother, Betty selflessly detached herself during her sophomore high school year to care for her father, Horace; older brother, Norris; and two younger sisters, Helen and Dorothy. On Friday, February 26, 1965, Betty was united in holy matrimony to Mathew "Jelly" Gilyard, Sr. and they became the proud parents of three children, Terri, Paul and Matt, Jr.  After establishing their family, she subsequently continued her education, earning her equivalency diploma from St. Johns River Community College, Palatka. In 2006, while continuing her pursuit of Christlikeness, Betty earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Destiny Bible College, Jesup, GA.

Betty retired from the State of Florida, Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services (HRS, now known as DCF) following 25 years of meritorious employment serving as a social worker and as a front desk clerk. Betty was a former longtime member, church mother, treasurer of To God Be the Glory Holiness Church, under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Ruth Lowe-Reaves. In August 2009, she was led by the Lord to transfer her Christian discipleship to Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Deaconess, Church Mother, Missionary and in the Seniors Ministry, under the pastoral guidance of Reverend Karl N. Flagg.

"Lou" as she was affectionately called by her family and close friends found great pleasure in sewing, talking on the phone, traveling, assisting those in need, sharing the Word of God with others, and more especially, spending time with her family and friends. If she could find a way to help someone in need, she would, by any means necessary.  Yes, she would make it happen!!  "Ma Betty" was devoted to serving God and His people. Her commitment and faith in God coupled with her unconditional love for her family were always among her top priorities.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by her sister, Dorothy Holman; stepmother, Isabelle Wiggins; sisters-in-law, Dr. Ruth Lowe-Reaves and Ola Mae Bell.

Betty leaves to cherish her memories and continue her legacy: daughter, Terricena (Reverend Karl N.) Flagg; sons, Paul (Xiomara) Gilyard, Sr., Mathew (Bermodie) Gilyard, Jr.; grandchildren, Paul Gilyard, Jr., Karla (Elder Jarvis, Sr.) Flagg-Wright, Kandyce Flagg, Matisha Gilyard, Bobby Smith, Jr., Andre Evans, Rogelio Simmons, Larry Simmons, Leon Hunter, Brandon Johnson; a host of great grandchildren ; sister , Helen (Minister Anthony) Williams; brother , Joe Norris Wiggins; godchildren , Terri Jean Foster-Cooper, William Stroman, LaHazel Lewis; special caregivers, Shirley Eubanks, Cheral McRae, Beulah Hall, Annette Brown; and a host of nieces & nephews, cousins, church family and many friends who she loved dearly.

There will be a private family ceremony & interment.  A memorial celebration will be scheduled at a later date.

Betty Lou Wiggins Gilyard