Atoneya Michelle Gilchrist

Mrs. Atoneya Michelle Dekeyser Gilchrist, lovingly known as Michelle, was born on July 1, 1966, in Washington, DC, to the late Clarence Dekeyser, Sr. and Mildred Ellerbe Dekeyser. She peacefully entered eternal rest on August 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Michelle was a proud 1984 graduate of Latta High School. She began her career in 1994 with Fleet Mortgage, later Washington Mutual, and JP Morgan Chase, where she excelled in several roles, ultimately serving in senior management. Her commitment and leadership left a lasting impact until the company’s South Carolina closure in 2014. Never one to stop learning, Michelle pursued an associate degree in Health Information Management in 2016. She began her second career at Lake City Community Hospital before joining MUSC in 2022 as a medical coder.

On December 20th 1986, Michelle married the love of her life, Terence Gilchrist. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. She was a devoted wife, mother to Brittany Gordon and Tearra Gilchrist, and a proud grandmother to her grandson, Bryson Gordon. She was also deeply loved by her mother-in-law, Pearlie Gilchrist.

Michelle had a sweet and loving spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own. She found joy in traveling, relaxing at the beach, and making memories with family and friends. Her kindness, warm smile, and gentle heart touched everyone who knew her. Michelle’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to her family will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Dekeyser, Sr. and Mildred Ellerbe Dekeyser; sister, Sheila Dekeyser James (Bernard); and brother, Julian Clyde Weston (Christine).

She leaves to treasure her memory her husband, Terence Gilchrist; daughters, Brittany Gordon and Tearra Gilchrist; grandson, Bryson Gordon; siblings, Sharon Dekeyser Roberson (James), Clarence Dekeyser, Jr. (Brenda), and Cora Dekeyser Pouncey (Ronnie); her beloved aunt, Floren Ellerbe (Frank); her mother-in-law, Pearlie Gilchrist; her brother-in-law, Dequincy Gilchrist and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Please keep the family of Atoneya Michelle Dekeyser Gilchrist in your thoughts and prayers.