Thelma Ann Gillyard

On Sunday, February 5, 2017, Thelma Ann Gillyard departed this earthly life and entered into eternal peace to be with her Heavenly Father. Thelma as she was affectionately known was born on March 4, 1933 in St. Mary’s County, Maryland to the late Clyde and Syvilla Kane. She was the last of five daughters. In the late 1930's Thelma along with her mother and 4 sisters moved from St. Mary's County, MD to reside in Washington, DC. Upon arriving in DC, her family attended both St. Augustine’s and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and they later joined Holy Name Catholic Church. At an early age, she was baptized in the Catholic church where she became a devoted member. Her formal education was in the District of Columbia Public School System. Thelma had two children, Charles Kane and the late Vanessa Daniel. On May 16, 1974, she entered into holy matrimony to the late Charles Gillyard. Their union remained until his untimely death on March 3, 1993. Thelma was a very active member at Holy Name Church and did not miss a Sunday until she fell ill in the early 2000’s. Thelma was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Thelma had numerous skills within the cleaning industry. During her free time she could be found socializing with friends, traveling, enjoying concerts and Broadway musicals, fine dining and playing cards. She also enjoyed talking on the phone to her sisters and girlfriends. She was very domesticated she enjoyed sewing; and could sew almost anything by hand. She also enjoyed watching television especially game shows and sports. Most of all Thelma enjoyed life and definitely lived her life to the fullest. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Gillyard, daughter, Vanessa Daniel, and three sisters, Corrine Kane, Adelaide Johnson, and Willnette White. She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Charles Kane (Monica); thirteen grandchildren, Steve Alston, Juan Kane, Lamar Lee-Kane, Kevia Daniel, Rasheeda Wilson, Keonnie Daniel, T'Nae Brown (Tarik), Ronnie Daniel, Keisha Yates (Curtis), Ard'Nas Zelaya (Rudy), Aaron Thompson, Derrick Thompson, Cyrus Thompson, Breyona Poole and Brelin Kane ; twenty-three great-grand children, one great-great -grandchild; one sister, Pauline Hayden; three Nieces Angela Newsom, Diane Kane, and Karen McNeill; two nephews, Nathaniel (Ricky) Hayden and Samuel (Nathan) White, a dear childhood friend Ms. Madge Watson Daniel and a host of great nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

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Thelma Ann Gillyard

March 4, 1933 - February 5, 2017