Shirley Mae Dillard's Obituary
Ms. Shirley Mae West Dillard was born on September 12, 1943 to the late Vassa T. West and Addie L. Oney West in Laurel, DE. She attended Ross Point School in Laurel, DE from grades 1-6. She graduated from William C. Jason Comprehensive High School, Class of 1961, where she excelled in her studies. She was active in the French Club and the Social Studies Club. Shirley received her Bachelors of Science in Education from Delaware State College in 1965, where she was dutiful member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Shirley was employed as a teacher in the Appoquinimink School District in Middletown, DE, where she served dutifully for thirty-five years before retiring in 2001. In her leisure time, she enjoyed knitting and gardening. Shirley enjoyed helping others and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Shirley Dillard was truly blessed. She was born on September 12, 1943 and was called home on April 11, 2016. She was preceded in death by her loving father, Vassa T. West; mother Addie L. Oney; her husband Raymond Dillard. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Ruth Brinkley and Bernice West, and brothers; Melvin West and Kermit West. She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted daughter, Rhonda S. Dillard, a son Vasell A. Dillard, a daughter-in-law, Daniele L. Dillard, two grandchildren, Morgan A. Dillard and Omar K. Dillard, an aunt, Ardella Giles, a cousin, Margaret West, known as Aunt Margaret, a nephew, Eugene West, special cousins, Donald West, Thelma, West, and Phyllis Robinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other many loving relatives.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 12 p.m. at the St. John’s AME Zion (Ross Point) Church, Laurel with the Reverend Ida Ostelui officiating. Interment will follow at Ross Chapel Cemetery. Family will receive friend one hour prior to the service. A Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Memorial Celebration will held at 10:30 prior to the service Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society Eastern Shore Chapter, 1315 Mount Hermon Rd. Suite D, Salisbury, MD 21804.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
