Cariess Evette Gilyard-Tutson

Cariess Evette Gilyard Tutson passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018 in her residence on 1329 N. 13th Street, Reading, PA.

Cariess (Reese as she was affectionately known) was born in Reading, PA on June 24, 1966. Cariess was the daughter of the late Frank L. Gilyard, Sr. and Mildred Robertson Gilyard.

Cariess was educated in the Reading and Muhlenberg School District. She was a graduate of the Muhlenberg High School where she participated in the Drama Guild and Chorus and a graduate of Reading Muhlenberg Vo-Tech where she earned her certification as a computer programmer. 

Cariess attended the Bucks Community College where she received an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She was an entrepreneur of a computer programming business. Cariess was also employed by the University of Florida Gators during the Steve Spurrier era, by the Reading Downtown District, and Source Mortgage Company, Reading, PA.

Cariess was a dedicated member of the Bethel AME Church Reading Lay Organization and Missionary Society. At an early age, she was a member of the Young Peoples Division (YPD), Church School, acolyte and Youth Choir. Cariess served as First Vice President of the Philadelphia Conference YPD. She had the opportunity to speak at a YPD function at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. 

Cariess was a caring person and tried to help others as much as possible.  She was as a devoted Cowboys fan; a lover of the color purple and she wore it well! Her love of music was seen through her many years of singing in various choirs from Pennsylvania to Florida. 

Cariess is predeceased by her father, the late Frank Gilyard, Sr and leaves to cherish her memory, her mother: Mildred Gilyard, two daughters: Lasonta Babb and Taylor Golden, one grandson: Tevin, four siblings: Lynn (Dana) Ragsdale, JoHanna (Lucius) James, Frank (Lori) Gilyard, Jr, and Van (Mary) Gilyard, a devoted life companion: Marc Hicks; 15 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews, a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, January 4, 2019, 11:00 AM, at the Harris Funeral Home, 222 North Front Street, Reading, PA.  Viewing at 10:00 AM.

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