Mrs. Leola Dillard was born on February 6, 1912 in Bentonia, Mississippi the union of Xavier
and Roxie Runnels. She was an only child. Her beloved parents preceded her in death.
M other Dillard confessed Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized into Liberty
Church in Bentonia, Mississippi. She attended Sunday School, BTU, and Church regularly
with her parents. It was there she learned to sing and pray. She was particularly fond of "I am on the
Battle Field for my Lord". She served her church as an Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Secretary, and as a
mother on the Church. She loved the Lord and sought to serve her church faithfully and to instill this
same devotion in her children.
Mother Dillard met and married Swayze Dillard Sr. who preceded her in death. They enjoyed 60
years of marital bliss and were blessed with nine children.
Mother Dillard attended public elementary and high school in Bentonia, Mississippi. She
received a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Jackson State University in Jackson,
Mississippi. After graduating from college, Mother Dillard began her career as a public elementary school
teacher in Yazoo County and taught for more than 25 years. Many lives have been enriched because of
her impact and influence. She will be remembered as a woman of conviction, integrity, and generosity.
She is known as the cheerful giver.
Mother Dillard lived a full and active life serving God and her fellowman. She believed that
kindness was the purest trait to find its way into the human heart. One of her favorite charities
was Make a Difference Day. Because of her love for people and her acts of kindness, she was recognized
locally, statewide, and nationally; receiving many accolades and awards. She was celebrated in
Washington, D.C. with Senators Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch, and USHER. She has a playground and
a street named in her honor.
Mother Dillard was preceded in death by a daughter, Earnestine Dillard; a son, William Dillard;
and two granddaughters, Antionette Dillard Embrey and LaResa Smith Gardner. She leaves to
cherish her loving memory six daughters, Jewell Dooley, Mildred Smith, Roxie Harris, Bessie Walker
(Norman), Margaret McGlown (Johnny), and Shirley Coleman; one son, Swayze Dillard, Jr. (Emma);
seventeen grandchildren, Jacqueline, Karl, Georgette, Andre, Mechelle, Donald, Diane, Sharon, Kimberly,

Regina, Dwayne, Chamessa, Dwan, Alvis, Leroy, and Geoffrey; and a host of great grandchildren, great-
great grandchildren, cousins, friends, and her Liberty Baptist Church Family. Her legacy of faith and

kindness is etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. We mourn her passing: An Angel on
earth has returned to Heaven.