Dora Gilyard

Dora Mae Curry Gilyard was born on September 16, 1944 to the late LC & LVersie Curry in Skipperville, AL. While attending D.A. Smith High School, she was a majorette in the band and graduated in 1962. In 1967, Dora married Clarence Gilyard, Jr. They were blessed with two girls, Yolanda and Cindy. Dora went on to further her education in Keypunching and worked for McKesson for over 20 years.

Dora accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Skipperville, AL. Active in the church, she served a part of many ministries including, the missionary, matron, and the choir.  Many will also remember her as the church secretary. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the New Era #2 Association.

Beautiful and charming, Dora was truly blessed. You would always find a bright smile on her face. Three words to describe Dora are humble, kind, and loving.  Always thinking of others, she made it a priority to send thoughtful cards and acknowledge birthdays. She also loved cooking and had a natural talent for crafting. 

Dora Mae Curry Gilyard gained her heavenly wings on February 10, 2022 at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, AL. She was preceded in death by her parents LC & LVersie Curry; her brother, Clemmie C Curry; her sister, Pearline Sims; her niece Darlene Sims Roberts; and her nephew, Vincent Lee Curry.

Cherishing her memories, Dora leaves behind two daughters: Yolanda (Zachary) Edwards of Troy, AL. and Cindy Gilyard of Birmingham, AL.; four grandchildren: Jaleesa Renee Gilyard of Birmingham, AL., Breandre Marqee Hinton of Ozark, AL., Jamaree Malik Gilyard of Ozark, AL., and Zachary Antowan Edwards, Jr. of Troy, AL.; one great-grandson: Akihry Jasiah Hinton of Ozark, AL; Two sisters: Betty Denby of Ozark, AL and Lula (Arnold) Burnett of Austintown, OH.; one brother: James (Reba) Curry of Pennington, AL.; one aunt: Victoria Calhoun of Ozark, AL.; two honorary daughters: Shawn Crittenden-Allen of Atlanta, GA. and Zevia White of Birmingham, AL; one honorary grandson: Zakari White of Birmingham, AL.; an honorary sister and friend Marie "Mama Marie" Brown of Ozark, AL. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family is deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness and prayers. We would like to give a special thank you to Fernando Sergarra and all of Dora's healthcare teams at Dale Medical Center in Ozark, AL.; Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, AL.; and Dothan Hematology and Oncology in Dothan, Al.

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