Edith Gailliard

Edith Coulter Gailliard, a first generation Detroiter, was born on December 6, 1926. She was born to the late John Coulter Sr. and Florence Zolliecoffer Coulter. She was the third of five siblings, of which three: Florine, Jesse, and John have preceded her in death. She was raised as an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit and converted to the practice of Catholicism in 1960. She was educated by the Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northern High School. She worked for the United States Postal Service during World War II and graduated from Wayne State University, where she began her career as an educator, but also developed many lifelong friendships. She was a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 65 years. She became an elementary school teacher, school guidance counselor, and retired from Detroit Public Schools as the Principal of Clark Elementary School.

In 1950, Edith married Alvin C. Gailliard, Sr., who predeceased her in 1994. From their union their two children, Nancy and Gary were born. As an educator and an avid reader, Edith promoted lifelong learning and higher education for herself, her children and grandchildren. She developed her ability as a water colorist within the last fifteen years. She was an avid bridge player and a member of the “La Coterie” Bridge Club with whom she maintained lifelong friendships. She loved to entertain and she and her husband were well known for their annual New Year’s Day festivity.

Edith moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in the 1990s, to enjoy her role as a dedicated grandmother. She was a member of the Ann Arbor City Club where she regularly played bridge and she also became an active member of the Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She chaired their Annual Book Sale for several years and promoted character building and empowerment for young girls by coordinating their “Sister-to-Sister” Summits in Washtenaw County. She also developed a love to travel.

Edith peacefully made her transition on Tuesday morning, February 26, 2013. During her illness, she maintained her strong will and spirit, displayed inner strength and her faith, and maintained her dignity.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Nancy Gailliard Gordon (Andrew “Phil”); her son, Gary C. Gailliard (Glenda); three granddaughters: Janelle Gailliard Anderson (Cleveland). Olivia Gailliard, Brelynn Gailliard; two grandsons: Brandon Gary Gailliard and Britten Gibson; and four great-grandchildren: Mariah, Dorian, and Adrian Anderson, and Seleah Fountain. She also leaves behind one sister, Eddie Mae Stuart-Marbury (James), her sister-in-laws, Dr. Barbara Coulter, Eva Chenevert, and Vivian Gay; Brother-in-Law, Douglas Gailliard (Charlotte), her lifelong friend, Rosalind McClendon, numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.