Mary Elizabeth Dillard

Mary Elizabeth Dillard age 84 of Hattiesburg formerly of Sandersville died Sunday Aug. 1, 2010 at Perry General Hosp. in Richton. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Tuesday at the Chapel of Memory Chapel. Revs David Hill, Julian Davis, Gray Strickland will officiate. She is preceded in death by her husband Edward C “Ned” Dillard Jr. She was a member of Parkway Heights Methodist Church in Hattiesburg. From 1950 until 1954, Mary taught home economics at Leakesville High School. She also taught fourth grade in Jones County before becoming an Associate Home Agent with the Jones County Extension Service. Mary Elizabeth returned to her life’s calling of teaching at Sandersville High School, later serving as chairperson of the Home Economics Department at Northeast Jones High School for eight years and Supervising teachers for student teaching for the University of Southern Mississippi’s Home Economics Department. After retiring from Jones County Junior College. She taught as Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi in the Home Economics Department. Mary Elizabeth served as president of the Jones County Retired Teachers Association for year years. She was Hattiesburg District President of the United Methodist Women for four years and served on the Conference Team for the United Methodist Women. Mary Elizabeth served as president of the Mississippi Retired Teachers Association. In this capacity she has worked with the officers, district chairpersons of legislation, the scholarship foundation, and the executive director to improve the benefits of all retired teachers in Mississippi by improving and keeping the retirement system sound and viable. In later years, Mary Elizabeth was very involved in the Senior Ministries programs at First United Methodist Church of Laurel, Crystal Springs UMC, Wesley Manor Retirement Community and Parkway Heights UMC of Hattiesburg. Mary was an inspiration to those she came in contact with. She was a gracious Christian lady loved by many. She was a wonderful wife, mother , grandmother and friend. She is survived by her son Carleton Dillard and his wife Susie of Laurel. Two daughters Becky Strickland and her husband Warren of Richton and Susannah Jones and her husband Cecil of Crystal Springs. Seven grandchildren Adrian, Barry and Gray Strickland, Conner and Grant Dillard, Betany and Brandt Jones. Four great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Adrian Strickland Barry Strickland Gray Strickland Conner Dillard David Saul Dale Saul Charles McLaurin Bruce West. Visitation will be held Monday from 5-8 pm at Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangement. Memorials can be made to Sandersville United Methodist Church. c/o Brian Gordon Sandersville, MS 39437.

Mary Elizabeth Dillard

March 15, 1926 - August 1, 2010