Deacon Elijah Gaillard, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the promotion from labor to reward for Deacon Elijah Gaillard, Jr. 83, of St. Stephen, SC who entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at his residence at 2:45 PM with his loving wife and family by his bedside. Deacon Elijah was the loving and devoted husband of 53 years to Barbara Ann Gaillard, forever loving father of Jo-Nells Cooper of St. Stephen, SC, Janice Savage of North Charleston, SC, Janie Lee Cooper of Miami, Florida, Johnny (Alene) Cooper of Miami, Florida & Bobby Cooper of Miami, Florida; two special grand-daughters reared in the home; Jeree Wilder and Shakoyia Wilder who also was his caretaker both of St. Stephen, SC;  loving brother of Ms. Lillie M. Gourdine & Ms. Inetha Farris.

Life Reflections of Deacon Elijah Gaillard, Jr. " Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3 NIV

The awesome man, husband, father, father figure, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Elijah Gaillard Jr. was born on Decem- ber 5, 1938. He selflessly took the role and sole provider at the age of nine after the passing of his father. It was during this time that Elijah be- gan to develop into the gentle and caring person that he was known as. On June 3, 1969, Elijah married Barbara A. Montgomery. From this un- ion, two family emerged into one. To this day, they were married for 53 years.

He leaves to cherish his memories: His caring and devoted wife of the home, Barbara Ann Gaillard, Loving children: JoNells Cooper of Saint Stephen, SC, Janice Savage of Charleston, SC, Janie Cooper of Mi- ami, FL, Johnny (Alene) Cooper, Bobby Cooper, of Miami, FL. Two sis- ters; Lillie Mae Gourdine of Saint Stephen, SC and Inetha Farris of Deca- tur, GA. Two loving and special granddaughters, Jeree Wilder and Shakoyia Wilder, who also was his caretaker, both of Saint Stephen, SC. A total of 23 grandchildren and a total of 8 great-grandchildren; and a host of Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

Elijah did whatever was necessary to provide for his family. He worked as a truck and school bus driver, and also dedicated many of years at PYA and Georgia Pacific. Elijah also had a thriving green thumb that would produce a flourishing garden every year along with the help of his favorite mule, Rusty.

In 1970, Elijah decided that it was time to give his life to Christ. He joined the House of God Saint Stephen and received the Holy Ghost under the hands of Elder George H. Wright. After making Saint Stephen his home, he became a Trial Deacon during the 1970s. From serving as a Trial Deacon, he then became an Ordained Deacon in the early 2000s. Deacon Gaillard have played a huge role in The House of God Saint Ste- phens. He served as the Chairman Deacon from 1993 to 2015. Elijah was also the Sunday Bible School Superintendent from 1992 to 2016. He will- ingly and humbly filled in plenty of gaps countless times. If we had a church service and the pastor couldn't make it, this humble man would more than willingly pull out his bible and bring forth the word of God. From cutting the grass to being the first and last person at the church, he's guaranteed to get the job done with a smile on his face.

Elijah wore many hats and filled important roles in all of our lives. His nicknames prove that on it's own. Here are just a few of them: His sisters called called him "Sonny". His kids and granddaughters called him "Daddy". Cousins and family called him "Snookie". His coworkers referred to his as "Hammer". His deceased Father-In-Law called him "Samson". He was affectionately known as "Deac" by his church family.

Elijah Gaillard Jr. definitely set a great example and showed how a true and humble man should live their life. He always was consistent in his life-living day in and out. Elijah characterized Moses in the Bible, just like how God used Moses to herd the people. Because of Moses' humbleness and being obedient, God used Moses powerfully in the scriptures. God did powerful things through Elijah Jr. because of his humble spirit.

Deacon Elijah Gaillard, Jr.  Well done, thy good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.  Matthew 25:23

Viewing will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Divinity Mortuary from 4-7 PM ( A face mask must be worn at all times during viewing)

Home Going Service of Deacon Elijah Gaillard, Jr. will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at The House of God Keith Dominion Pentecostal Church 202 Glisson Lane, St. Stephen, SC 29479  Elder Douglas Fisher - Pastor ( A face mask must be worn at all times during the service )

Final Resting Place: The House of God Memorial Cemetery, 1102 Peru Rd. St. Stephen, SC 29479

Please continue to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols. Services will be lived streamed on Divinity Mortuary Facebook page.