Shirley Dillard passed away on March 7, 2025. Shirley was born on September 2, 1940, to the late Roy and Edna Hall-Bailey. She was the last of her siblings and was also preceded in death by her children, Keith Carneal Dillard, Byron Terrell Dillard, and Constanza “Connie” Denise Dillard.
Shirley graduated from James Weldon Johnson School. She retired from Eastern State Hospital after twenty-seven years of service. At an early age, she dedicated her life to Christ and was a former missionary, pastor aide, and nurse aide. She also sang with several gospel groups and held many church meetings at her house.
Shirley enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading. Shirley also loved flowers and spending time with her family.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her sons, Douglas Larry Dillard and Kelvin Carnell Dillard; grandchildren, Brandon Carneal Dillard, Stephanie Nicole Dillard, and Bradley Dillard; her great-grandchildren, Sa’Riyah Rose Dillard and Sage Denise Dillard; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. Interment to follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Ms. Dillard may be viewed on Saturday beginning at noon until the hour of her service in the chapel.
