With deepest sorrow, we at Henryhand Funeral Home of St. Stephen, regret to announce the passing of Saeed Mahadi Gilford, 47, of Villa Rica, Georgia who passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Life Reflections

"There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time. There is a time to be born and a time to die. There is a time to plant and a time to pull up plants. There is a time to cry and a time to laugh. There is a time to be sad and a time to dance with joy."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4 ERV

Saeed was born on February 18, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York to Betty Shaw Gilford and the late Mahadi [Nick] Abdullah. When Saeed was 9 years old the family moved to South Jamaica Queens, New York. It was in Queens that he met his crew; his brothers for life. In 2015, Saeed moved to Georgia to be closer to his son Isaiah and rekindle a relationship with his childhood sweetheart. There he lived a good life while staying connected with family and friends until the Lord called him home on May 6, 2026.

Saeed was a kind, loving, and loyal man whose presence left an impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was widely respected and admired—not only for his strength of character but for his ability to connect with others on a meaningful level.

To his family, he was lovingly known as "Saeed," while his friends knew him by the alias "8," "Ocho," and "Ridahman." Regardless of the name, all who knew him experienced his vibrant personality and unmistakable energy.

Saeed had a gift for bringing people together. He was often the life of the party, creating joy and laughter in every gathering. Whether among family or friends, he found happiness in shared moments, good conversation, and building lasting bonds.

Saeed was also known for his sharp mind and powerful voice. He had a way with words and never hesitated to speak his truth. He embraced dialogue, never fearing being wrong, as long as he could fully express and "land" his point of view. Through this, he bridged gaps, strengthened relationships, and left people thinking—and often smiling.

Saeed was preceded in death by his father, Mahadi [Nick] Abdullah; grandmother, Viola Middleton Shaw; grandfather, Henry Shaw; uncle, Marvin Shaw; best friends, Jayson [Smooth] Tyson & Willie [Gucci] Trotty.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his son, Isaiah Gilford of Villa Rica, Georgia; bonus son, Elijah Phillips; fiancée, Tawana Murphy of Villa Rica, Georgia; his mother, Betty Shaw Gilford of Saint Stephen, South Carolina; his sister, Makeba [Sookie] Gilford of Brooklyn, New York; twin cousin, Keisha Corey of Brooklyn, New York; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, dear friends, and his extended Crew, all of whom will hold his memory close to their hearts.

Saeed will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. However, those who knew him best understand that he would not want sorrow to define his farewell. Instead, he would want his life to be celebrated—with gatherings filled with good food, good drinks, good music, and even better memories.

His legacy of love, connection, and authenticity will continue to live on in the lives he touched.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of St. Stephen, SC. 843-354-2292 .