Doris Lucille Gillyard

Doris Lucille Breakenridge Gillyard, adoring wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on September 30, 2019 at the age of 85. She was born on September 1, 1934 to the parentage of Albert Breakenridge and Lillie Pearl Johnson in Stonewall, Louisiana. Doris was an ambitious young lady, graduating from Grambling State University in Louisiana, and continuing her education at other institutions including Prairie View A&M University. She pledged Zeta Phi Beta and was a member of numerous groups including Eastern Stars. Doris dedicated her life to a career in teaching both in Louisiana, and as a Dallas classroom teacher for over 30 years. A deep proponent for education, she was inspired by the words of Sir Anthony Seldon: “Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open children’s hearts and minds to the unbelievable wonder of the universe” Doris was passionate and a faithful follower of Jesus, accepting him into her life at a young age, and going on to be an active member of the Greater New Zion Baptist Church for the last 50 years. She also shared her faith with others by serving as a youth worker and director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and true supporter of all the church ministries. Doris was a dynamic and energetic member in her community, with her heart of service leading her to serve as a board member for the Friends of the Pleasant Grove Library, National Quartet Singers Association of America, as well as a board member of the local public radio station KNON. Doris was an avid traveler who loved America and took every opportunity to experience new things. She will be dearly missed by her sister Alice Moton; loving children, Roderick Renel Breakenridge, Ronald Ray Breakenridge, Keitha Greer (Rev. Dwight Greer) and Kimberly Gillyard; her grandchildren Brandon, Abigail, Nicole, Aschmed, Ivan and Daneska, and a host of beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and loved ones. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the following link in Ms. Doris's name https://www.gofundme.com/f/doris-l-gillyard-scholarship-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet