Biography

Emma Julia Gillyard Vanderhorst, daughter of the late Reverend Christopher Gillyard and Patsy P. Green Gillyard, was born on August 8, 1928 in Charleston County, South Carolina. On Monday, May 21, 2012, Emma was called home to eternal rest.

Emma J. or Julia, as she was affectionately called by close friends and family, grew up in the South Santee Community of McClellanville, South Carolina. She attended the public schools of Charleston County, graduating from Laing High School, Charleston, SC in 1947 and later attending vocational school. Emma was a cosmetologist and proudly maintained her license for years. She was also the neighborhood “AVON” lady and served the community as a Social Services Manager/Coordinator for Charleston County until her retirement.

She was a loving wife to her husband of sixty-four years, Reverend Cleveland Richard Vanderhorst and a devoted mother to her only child, Mary V. Wright.

In addition to her duties and responsibilities as the wife of an active pastor in the Palmetto Annual Conference, which included serving as Women’s Missionary Society Advisor for over forty years, she was a dedicated and involved member of several community and civic organizations. She was a member of Greater Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having served as Worthy Matron of Guiding Light Chapter No. 268 and as a Grand Trustee from 1997-1999; Founder of Progressive Tent #210, Grand United Order of Tents; Founder of the Emma J. Vanderhorst Precious Jewels and member of the Mount Zion Singers. Emma was also a member of WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) and the South Santee Community Center Board of Directors. She was also an election poll worker and volunteer.

Memories of Emma will be cherished by: her husband, Reverend C.R. Vanderhorst of McClellanville, SC; her daughter, Mary V. Wright of Georgetown, SC; grandchildren, Marla L. Wright Jackson (Nathaniel) of Houston, TX, Melisse L. Wright (Marcus Doiley) of Georgetown, SC, Matthew L. Wright, III (Crystal) of Columbia, SC and Megan L. Wright of Houston, TX; great-grandchildren, Jaia, Marcus and Sacario; an adopted daughter (niece), Phyllis Dilligard of Decatur, GA; two special nephews, James Dilligard (Cheryl) of Milwaukee, WI and Morris Dilligard (Yvette) of Virginia Beach, VA; an adopted sister, Susan S. Randolph (Lonnie, Sr.) of McClellanville, SC; adopted brothers, Reverend John Henry Gillyard and Reverend James Taylor; an aunt, Jane Wineglass; an uncle, William Green (Marie); an aunt-in-law, Carrie M. Green; a brother-in-law, Charles Smith; a host of other grandnieces, grandnephews, other relatives and friends.

VIEWING & WAKE SERVICE

Thursday May 24, 2012, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, McClellanville, SC
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

Friday May 25, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, McClellanville, SC
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BURIAL

Friday May 25, 2012 at Old Board Cemetery, McClellanville, SC
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