Betty Gyles
Join us in celebrating Betty—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Age 75, transcended into eternity on Sunday, January 17, 2021. Ms. Gyles and her twin brother, Robert, were born August 15, 1945 to the late Charlie Vaughns and Nossie Bell Dillard. She was formally educated in the Aiken County public schools, where she was graduated from Martha Schofield High School in 1964. Upon her graduation, she completed various courses in early childhood education and additional studies in cosmetology at Augusta Technical College.
In 1981, she began a successful career with the City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the Smith-Hazel Recreational Center. During her tenure with the City of Aiken, she became a member of the department's management team and became heavily engaged with the youth and senior citizens of the Aiken community. Ms. Gyles quickly became known as a well-respected community leader and activist. Her love for Aiken was reflected in her many works and accomplishments as a public servant. She was honored by numerous organizations locally and statewide. Ms. Gyles was a life-long member of Friendship Baptist Church of Aiken, Ethnic Minority Branch of the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association, Aiken Black Historical Committee, Aiken Black History Parade Committee and the Martha Schofield High School Alumni Association.
Survivors include her twin brother, Dr. Robert Gyles, Manhattan, NY; one sister, Barbara Jean Dillard, Aiken and a devoted niece, Donna (Willis) Bell, Greenville, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A visitation for Ms. Gyles will be held from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, January 22nd at Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, 400 Kershaw St., NE in Aiken. A Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 23rd at Jessamine Memorial Gardens, 625 Allison St., NW in Aiken with Rev. T.C. Edwards officiating.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all guests who wish to gain entry to the visitation or attend the graveside service must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Floral arrangements can be delivered on Friday to the Smith-Hazel Recreational Center.
Friends may call her sister, Barbara Jean Dillard at (803) 443-9992 or the funeral home. MILLER'S FUNERAL HOME, 136 Kershaw St., SE, Aiken - (803) 649-2055 - www.millersfuneralhome.net