Haywood Sherard

Haywood Sherard, a devoted disciple of Christ and a man of steadfast faith, entered eternal rest after a life marked by service, love, and dedication to God, family, and community. He was born on June 27, 1943, in Anderson County, South Carolina, to the late Beattie and Willie Mae Sherard.

After graduating Blue Ridge High School in Seneca, SC, Haywood moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he lived with his sister Mary and her husband. He attended dental school before proudly serving four years in the United States Air Force. In New Jersey, he met the love of his life, Leola Franklin, and the two were united in marriage in April 1971. Together they shared 55 blessed years, raising two daughters and later welcoming the joy of two grandson.

Haywood’s Christian walk was central to his life. He was a dedicated member of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, where he was ordained as a Deacon in 1976. He served faithfully as Vice Chairman and later Chairman of the Deacon Ministry.

When his career brought him to Atlanta in 1984, he and his family united with Friendship Baptist Church. In 2003, they joined Providence Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles E. Nesbitt Jr., where Haywood continued to serve with humility, devotion, and a heart for God.

Haywood enjoyed traveling, bowling, spending time with family, and cheering for his favorite Atlanta sports teams. He especially cherished playing cards with his brothers and family, creating memories filled with laughter and friendly competition. Professionally, he worked many years in retail, including leadership roles with Lechter’s Housewares and Family Dollar, retiring in October 2024.

Above all, Haywood’s greatest accomplishment was accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and striving daily to live out his faith with integrity, kindness, and love.

Haywood leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Leola Sherard; his daughters, Tawana (Ralphele) Reels and Kendra Sherard Solomon; his beloved grandsons, Nicholas and Kaison Solomon; his brother, Prudolph Sherard of Newark, NJ; his sisters, Mary (Ellison) Dean of Irvington, New Jersey and Edna Sherard of McDonough, GA; his three sisters in law, Ellen Sherard, Arlinda Sherard and Lillie Gamble; his two brothers in law, Robert Franklin and Nathaniel Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended generations of great nieces and great nephews, along with many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Beattie and Willie Mae Sherard, and ten siblings: Aileen Lee, William Lee, Macie Sanford, Mastin Lee, J.D. Sherard, Bessie Robinson, Lillie Carson, Johnny Sherard, Calvin Sherard, and Alvin Sherard.

Haywood’s life was a testament to faith, purpose, humility, and love. Though he has departed from this earthly home, the light he shared continues to shine through every life he touched. His family finds peace in knowing he has entered eternal rest and that his love will continue to surround them always. He now rests safely in the arms of the Lord, healed, whole, and at peace.