May My Life Speak for Me

Businessman, educator, and native Monroe citizen John W. Dillard, 92, passed away Friday, September 9, 2022, while recuperating from an illness in Dermott, AR. Dillard grew up in Monroe in the Booker T. Washington community as the only son of Willie and Ada Dillard. He was born on August 1, 1930. He accepted Christ at an early age and served as a faithful deacon at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Dermott, AR, for many years. A gifted athlete, he graduated from Monroe Colored High/Carroll High School in 1951 and headed to AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) on a football scholarship. He was named a Pittsburgh Courier All-American in football his junior year of college and was captain of the football team his senior year. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and General Science. Dillard would go on to become the co-founder of Dillard Funeral Home (Eudora, Dermott, and Monticello, AR). He received a specialist degree in Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and became an influential educator, coach, and administrator in the Portland and Hamburg, AR school districts, from which he retired in 2011. He spent the rest of his years working in business. He was a past governor of the District VI Quad-State (AR, LA, MS, TX) Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. He received the distinction of "Funeral Professional of the Year for Arkansas" in 2018.

Dillard was a beloved husband and father. He is survived by his wife and business partner Bettye J. Dillard, daughters - Johnetta Dillard-Walker (Reginald) of Atlanta, Marian Johneice Dillard-Black (Jarrod), and son Marvin J. Jones, both of Dermott, who are carrying on his business legacy. Daughters Joy R. Dillard of Pine Bluff, AR, and Cheryl Fleece of Marion, IN preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory six grandchildren, two nephews, and a host of nieces and cousins, including the Clomon, Ward, and Briggerson families originating in Monroe, LA. His sisters were Earlene Chambliss of Monroe, LA, and Edna Roberson-Davis (deceased); through them, he had two nieces, Brenda Johnson and Mary Roberson Turner of Monroe, LA. The family sends their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. You may send sympathy expressions to Dillard Funeral Homes in Dermott, AR. Details are available at dillardfunerahomes.com. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Dillard Life Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://gofund.me/644548b0. Home-going services are Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 1:00 PM ET at Dermott High School Gym on Hwy 35 in Dermott, AR 71638.

Photo John W. Dillard