Betty Jean Gillyard

Betty’s Life & Legacy Betty Jean Gillyard, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on August 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 13, 1935 in Staunton, Virginia, she was one of four children to Clarence Robert Bundy and Ruth Brown. Growing up, Betty learned early to care for God’s creation—tending to animals on the family land and helping with her parents’ needs, including caring for her ailing mother. Later in life, she would also lovingly care for her father. While Betty grew up enjoying life in the country with her siblings, she yearned for a taste of city life—and no outhouses. Betty was both book smart and streetwise. Though she completed only the tenth grade, she believed living fully was life’s best teacher. She began her journey by starting and raising a family early and later traveling the world. Betty moved to Washington, D.C., to live with her sister Pauline and later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Betty also found “greener pastures” when she was struck by love after spotting her neighbor, Sonny, lying in the backyard grass. From there, they purchased their first home, shared a marriage built on adventure, family and love - as he affectionately called her “Bumpy”. In Philly, she lived most of her adult life on Napa Street—keeping a private home, yet surrounded by a close-knit community where neighbors looked out for one another and their children. Betty’s kind spirit drew people to her—she could talk to anyone from any walk of life, regardless of race, gender, religion, or beliefs. With a smile and a warm “hello,” a conversation always followed. But if your food wasn’t done right, Betty would let you know. Betty was blessed to give birth to eight children, seven boys and one girl. Her unfailing love and discipline kept a busy, often noisy, and joy-filled home clean and in order. To support her growing family, Betty was resourceful, always finding a way to stretch two nickels. The neighborhood knew Betty and her children and later came to know her grandchildren during her treasured “Grandbaby Days.” She also became the school and camp chauffeur for her children and grandchildren. Betty worked a short time at a curtain store, reflecting her love for decorating and redecorating and redecorating her home—always finding new ways to create warmth. She also loved fashion, especially furs. Classy, poised, and stylish, Betty worked as the elevator operator at her favorite fur store in Philadelphia, Fox Weis. From the elevator, she practically became a sales rep, selling furs to customers before they even reached the showroom floor. Yet Betty’s most cherished role was as a homemaker, raising her children and helping to raise her grandchildren. She lived for dinner parties with her family, filled with the sounds of laughter, singing, reminiscing and games across generations. The constant at every gathering was Betty’s famous cooking— fruit salad, toss salad, potato salad, seafood salad, green beans, ham and fried chicken. If Betty made it, it was good! A self-taught artist, Betty loved to draw and paint. Family and friends also remember her as an Aretha Franklin lookalike who loved to jam to oldies. She collected duck, lighthouse, chicken, and rooster figurines, and she delighted in dressing up and attending plays or dinner shows with her sisters, children, and friends. Nearing her seventies, Betty purchased a home in Smyrna, Delaware, where she spent her senior years enjoying the Good Time Ladies Senior Club in her community. Family always came first. She loved vacationing with them, whether in the Pocono Villas, Disney Resorts, family reunions with her siblings and extended family, or on cruises. She enjoyed traveling by plane, train, or ship, and continued to see the world until the age of 84, when she chose to slow down, treasure her memories, and be cared for by her children. Faith was Betty’s compass. Though she strutted to the beat of her own drum, she followed only God. As a Christian, Betty walked in faith with an open heart. While living in Philadelphia, she was a member of Blessed Temple, Prince of Peace Baptist Church, and Dauphin Street Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a missionary, usher, and volunteer with the Agape Soup Kitchen. In the last two decades of her life, she was blessed by the teachings and fellowship of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation in Smyrna. Betty’s bubbly personality could light up any room. She walked in peace and intention, always praying in the spirit, leaving no space for discord, only joy, in her presence. Betty’s legacy was one of “Togetherness,” which is also demonstrated in how her children raised their children all together. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Clarence Robert Bundy and Ruth Brown Bundy; her husband Alva James Gillyard; and her sister Pauline Lomax and her husband Bill, her brother Linwood (Sonny) Bundy and his wife Pauline, and her brother-in-law Melvin Wingo; her children including in-laws: Phillip Gillyard, Clifford Barkley Jr. and Catherine Gillyard. And several beloved grandchildren, extended loved ones and chosen family. Betty leaves a five generational legacy of love. Her Children: Clarence (Anita), (Big) Michael Morgan (Greta), Betty Jean Barkley, Larry, Oliver, (Lil) Michael (Shelda), and Alvin (LaTanya). Siblings: Reba Lucille Wingo and two sister in-laws. A multitude of grandchildren (little boochiebotches), great grands and great-great grands. And a host of Nieces, Nephews, Relatives, Chosen Family and Friends. So, to our beloved matriarch Betty we say – Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away but may your spirit never sail too far from our hearts and minds and be with us and live on through us. Family and friends are invited to attend services in celebration of Betty's life and legacy. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 9:30 -11 AM at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service at 11 AM. Burial will take place the following day at Mt. Peace Cemetery. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com Watch webcast for Betty Jean Gillyard: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1370821 Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Betty Jean Gillyard

March 13, 1935 - August 17, 2025

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