Velma Mae Dillard, age 92, of Portland, Tennessee, passed away on July 20, 2021. She was born July 16, 1929, to the late Odell Jenkins and Vader May Sadler.
Mrs. Dillard was a lifelong resident of Portland. In her early employment years, she worked at Portland Shirt Factory and Potter & Brumfield. She then ran a private daycare in her home for many years, which is what gave her the most joy.
She loved going camping, playing games, gardening, and cooking for family. She always provided support and unconditional love for her family and will be greatly missed.
She was a member of the Portland Church of the Nazarene for 55 years. She served in many roles within the church over the years, but she enjoyed most volunteering in the nursery, children’s church, and always helping in the church’s kitchen with special meals. She was dedicated to the church and always did what she could to help it grow.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Vernon Dillard, along with 12 sisters and 3 brothers.
Mrs. Dillard is survived by two daughters, Linda (James) Latimer of Portland and Gloria (Paul) Harbsmeier of Gallatin; grandchildren, Tresa (Jim) Cummings, Cindy (Scott) Cook, Tyler Patton, and Daniel (Jordan) Harbsmeier; great-grandchildren, Brandon (Kim) Perry, Adam Cummings, Zack Cook, Ashley (Cody) Fleming, and Edyn June Harbsmeier; three great-great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Wilkinson Wiseman Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Taylor officiating. Visitation will be Friday, July 23, 2021, from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 9:00 until the service at 11:00 a.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Patton, Daniel Harbsmeier, Brandon Perry, Adam Cummings, Zack Cook, Jim Cummings, and Scott Cook.
Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider Portland Church of the Nazarene, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.
