Jayniya Bellard died unexpectedly on April 17, 2024. She was only 38 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death. Our family was not prepared to lose her so soon, but we are eternally grateful for the amount of time we were able to spend with her.

Jayniya Bellard was born on April 21, 1985 in Lake Charles, LA to the late Rosa "Sunday" Bellard and Darryl Gamble and departed this life on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. She received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church where she was a member until she moved to Richmond, VA in 2009. Jayniya was an avid athlete that participated in various sports but fell in love with basketball. She first started her basketball journey at F. K. White then continued to play for Washington Marion Magnet High School and ended her basketball career at Virginia State University.

Jayniya was a graduate of the Washington Marion Magnet High School Class of 2003. After graduation, she developed a love for forensics and crime scenes and chose to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at Virginia State University, completing her Bachelor's degree in 2013. During her tenure at VSU, she joined the organization called Selected Ones which promotes academic and cultural awareness and to raise and expand students' awareness and diversity in society.

Jayniya worked in the mental health field working as a Mental Health Crisis Manager advocating for those with debilitating mental health and developmental illness/diseases for over 15 years. She was a die-hard Saints fan, bartender and self-proclaimed Top Chef. She aspired to have her own lounge and food truck to provide a taste of home for the Richmond residents. She loved Gospel, R&B and Neo-Soul music and had an immense passion for sneakers.

Jayniya had an infectious smile, cared deeply for others and was loved by everyone who met her. She will be remembered most for her sense of humor, pulling pranks, her willingness to help others and her kind spirit.

She leaves behind her son, Aubrey Bellard; spouse, Kristen Bellard; godsons; Jaxson Bellard of Houston, Texas and Mekhi Bonner of Richmond, VA; sister, Mila Thomas; niece, Amiyah Bellard; father, Darryl Gamble of Houston, Texas; Sharon Goode (adopted mom) of Richmond, VA; best friend/cousin; Scott Bellard, Jr.; uncles, aunts and a host of cousins, relatives and friends to cherish her memories.

Jayniya is predeceased by her mother, Rosa "Sunday" Bellard, and her grandparents, Milton Bellard, Sr. and Mildred Hicks Bellard; great grandparents, Clara Edwards and Will Hicks, and one uncle Morris Patrick Bellard.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also. John 14:3