GARDENIA ISAAC COLCLOUGH

Gardenia Isaac Colclough, affectionate known as "Bay-baray" by her family and "Bay" by her late husband, William Colclough Sr., made a peaceful transition at home on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, surrounded by family. 

She was born on June 4, 1927, to the late Willie and Clara Jackson Isaac. Gardenia attended and graduated from Ebenezer Parochial School in Dalzell.  At an early age, she accepted Christ and became a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Dalzell.  She met the love of her life, the late William Colclough Sr. through her cousin, and on Sept. 4, 1948, they were united in marriage.  Shortly after, Gardenia joined St. Paul AME Church and immediately began doing the work of the Lord.

Mrs. Colclough held many leadership positions at St. Paul, including president of the Sunbeam Choir, Youth Choir, Stewardess Board No. 1, Senior Usher Board and Junior Usher Board.  She served in many other capacities, including Sunday school teacher for the Catechism Class, a trustee, Class Leader No. 7, Young  People’s Division (YPD) Advisor, member of the President’s Club, Senior Choir and the Women’s Missionary Society. Gardenia was nominated as mother of the year at St. Paul in 1996; 2014 Grandmother of the Year and 2014 St. Paul Honoree of the Year.

She leaves to cherish her memories: four daughters, Gertie Mae Isaac, Patricia Ann Colclough and Teresa Colclough of Sumter and Doris Heard of Orlando, Florida;  two sons, Douglas Colclough Sr. and David Colclough of Sumter;  one daughter-in-law, Mary Colclough Maple of Sumter;  one sister-in-law, Betty Colclough of Sumter;  one godson, Ricky King of Sumter;  12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. at the home, 4660 Patriot Parkway, Sumter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Paul AME Church-Shaw, 1495 N. St. Paul Church Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Friendly Gadson, pastor, eulogist.

The funeral procession will leave the home at 10:30 a.m.

The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until time of the services.

Burial will be in the St. Paul AME Church Shaw Yard Cemetery.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.