Sallie Gilyard Fairnot was born June 1, 1934, in Orangeburg, SC, the beloved daughter of the late Willie and Sallie Stokes Gilyard.  She transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at her residence in Columbia, South Carolina.

“Tootsie” as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg County.  She continued her education and graduated from South Carolina State College with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.  She was employed with Richland School District Two at E. L. Wright Middle School, where she was the Physical Education Teacher.  She retired after more than thirty years of dedicated service.

Sallie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Deacon Willie J. Fairnot, Jr. for more than forty years before he went home to be with the Lord.

Mrs. Fairnot was a resolute and faithful member of Emmanuel AME Church.  During her tenure at Emmanuel she served in the Lay Organization, President of the Jubilee Choir, and member of the Women’s Ministry Society.  Sallie loved and enjoyed being around her family.  Before her health declined she also enjoyed playing bingo, but most of all she loved serving the Lord.  Though she is no longer physically with us, her loving and kind spirit will forever live in the hearts and lives of all those who loved and knew her.

She In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, Willie James Fairnot; two brothers and four sisters.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Troy Fairnot of Columbia, SC; daughter, Elaine (Bennie) Walker of Holly Hill, SC; nine adoring grandchildren, Kim, Kayla, Britta, LaTroya, Douglas, Drew, Brittany, BeniQuez and Benny, Jr.; ten precious great-grandchildren, Willie, Khalil, Timothy, Anthony, Amyrah, Kevion, Kendyl, JaLaya, Brenton, and Brooklyn; her caring brother, Willie Gilyard; and loving sisters,  Sarah Ross, Willow Blocker, and Cora (Clement) Stinson;  a host of nephews, nieces, and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom join the family in sharing the grief caused by her departure, but rejoice that she is now with the Lord.