Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard

10/15/1923 - 08/12/2022

Text:

Obituary For Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard

Mrs. Ruby E. Burnette Dillard was born October 15, 1923, to Frank and Leola Burnette in Cayce, SC. She graduated from Harbison Boarding School in Irmo, SC and later earned her cosmetology license from Pope Beauty School in 1941.

When World War II began, Ruby trained as one of the "Rosie the Riveters" in Orangeburg, SC working in factories and shipyards during the war. Ruby moved to Seattle, WA, where she worked for the war effort from 1942 to 1944. After the war, Ruby moved to Philadelphia, PA, then back to Cayce, SC before settling in Boomer, WV, where she lived for more than 67 years. Ruby was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Boomer where she faithfully served in the choir and on the usher board.

Ruby was deemed legally blind for at least 40 years. She attended WVU Ophthalmological Rehabilitation Center in Institute, WV, where she lived on campus and learned skills to navigate life as a self-sufficient visually impaired individual. Ruby did not allow visual challenges to deter her from leading a rich, full and independent life. Ruby left a legacy of love for family, community and especially had a heart for youth.

Ruby was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frank and Leola Burnette, husband, James "Chuck" Dillard, brother, Andrew Burnette, son, Reginald Hopkins, Sr., grandchildren, Cheri and Reginald Hopkins, II, and great grandchild, Eric Washington, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Frances Hopkins, Ouida H. Davis, Leroy Dillard, Avis (Caulton) Staunton, Alton B. Dillard, Sr., daughter in-love, Maureen Dillard, grandchildren, Lambert Hopkins, Eric (Stephanie) Washington, Patrice M. Davis, Eric (Robin) Dillard, Krystina Dillard, Alton B. Dillard Jr., great-grandchildren, Cameron Hopkins, Sierra (Andrae) Blake, Christian Dillard, Shayla Robinson, Dimone Mannon, Malachi Washington, Enzo Thomas, Grayson Dillard, Adilynne Dillard, Crew Dillard, great-great grandchildren, Grayson Blake, Jayden Shepherd, sister, Leola Rice, nieces, Petrain (Ronald) Johnson, Andrea Burnette and a host of family and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, August 20, 2022 at First Missionary Baptist Church of Boomer Rt. 60 Boomer with Presiding Elder Alton B. Dillard Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Meadow Haven Memorial Park, Ingram Branch.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

10/19/2022

Garnet Saunders

Aunt Ruby was a jewel that will be truly missed, I'm so glad I got a chance to see her before her passing. Love you family. Garnet Saunders
08/20/2022

Nancy D Foster

My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family of "Miss Ruby". I will always remember her working in the First Baptist Church of Boomer with my mother and even being reprimanded for misbehaving. But it was done with love. I will also remember the ties she shared with my parents through the years. May your precious memories provide you comfort and strength. Nancy Davis Foster, Columbia SC.
08/20/2022

Rev Oliver W Banks

St John AME Church 6466 Carmon Road Gibsonville, NC 27249 Resolution in Memory of Mother Ruby E. Burnette Dillard According to his tender mercy, God, who is infinite in his wisdom, has seen fit to move from our midst your beloved Mother , Ruby E. Burnette Dillard . We, the Pastor and members of St John AME Church Gibsonville, NC are in prayer for Presiding Elder Alton B Dillard & Sister Maureen and the entire family of Ruby E. Burnette Dillard, want you to know that our hearts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your Mother, Family and Friend. We are sure the life, laughter, and legacy of Mother Ruby has reached many as she expressed love for family, community and especially her heart for youth and the essence of generosity with God's love. WHEREAS we know that Mother Ruby is no longer here, her tremendous gift of embracing family and friends as well as her ability to make everyone feel special will always be remembered. Her laugh, sense of humor, love for others, and contagious smile shall live on in your hearts forever. Having a mother point to and speaks of acceptance. An acceptance that is certain. That does not have to be proven. Having a mother speaks of having an inheritance. Of something granted, something received. For simply being. For being her child. As you celebrate Mother Ruby's life today , embrace the essence of who she was and how she represented. Share your stories that make you laugh. Your mother lived it with you and took part in the memory making. Mother Ruby has moved away from her earthly home ; you will miss your mother's physical presence but believe in your heart and trust in God as you look forward to seeing her again on the celestial shores. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 NRSV). THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pastor and members of St John AME Church Gibsonville, NC family embraces you and your family. We know your loss is deep and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that we share in your sorrow, but more importantly, we acknowledge that this loss is actually heaven's gain. We will continue to pray for you and extend open arms for you to receive the love of our Heavenly Father. Humbly submitted on this 20th day of August 2022, by Pastor and members of St John AME Church Gibsonville, NC . A copy of this Resolution will be given to the Family. Rev Oliver W Banks St John AME Church 6466 Carmon Road Gibsonville, NC 27249
08/19/2022

Dec. Charles King

8/19/2022 To the family of Mrs. Ruby Dillard Our Lord is no stranger to sorrow. He will cover you, keep you in His care and bring to mind beautiful memories of the one you have loved and with whom you have shared so much of your life. Praying for you. Dec. Charles King
08/19/2022

Rev. Merilyn JB. Grant

So sorry to hear about the passing of your love one Mom Ruby. Our hearts are heavy but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We love you all and you are never alone. God loves you and do I.💞 Rev. Merilyn Johnson -Grant & Family - SBCEE
08/17/2022

Rev. Dr. Gloria Wade Dillon

Dear Avis, Caulton and family, we are sending our heartfelt love and condolences at your great loss. We take joy in knowing for those who die In Christ, "to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord!" May you be comforted and strengthened by The Lord, family and friends, and precious memories!!! Much love, Cousins, Deanna Martin, James and Helen Wade, Rev. Dr. Gloria and Vermon Dillon
08/17/2022

Stephanie Preston Moffett

Our deepest condolences. We all loved her. She will be missed. The Preston Family Sam,Stephanie & Shawn
08/17/2022

Lorena Mitchell

Our Deepest Condolences to the family or Miss Ruby. Lorena & Gordon Mitchell
08/16/2022

Deidra Cochran and Randa Cochran

Presiding Elder Alton B. Dillard you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences to you all. Randa and Deidra Cochran, St. Paul AME Church, Washington, PA
08/16/2022

Lorena Mitchell

Our Deepest Condolences to the Dillard family, May your happy memories give you peace and comfort, during this challenging time. First Baptist Church of Smithers, Rev. Burton Spencer Jr. Pastor.
08/15/2022

Elder Billie JoAnn Catus Green

Rev Dillard we the Rev. Catus family offer our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Praying for you.
08/15/2022

Patsy Goodwin

Condolences to the family. "Miss Ruby" was loved by many and will solely be missed. She was a joy. Patsy & Ron ("Pike") Goodwin Winston-Salem, NC

Tributes

Jeronica Smith sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/19/2022

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in GOD believe also in Me. John 14:1 With Deepest Sympathy We're Sending prayers and love your way. The Davis Family
Sweet Moments was sent for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/19/2022
Dovie Lacy sent Life Celebration Basket for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/19/2022

Our prayers are with you during this time of sorrow, and our hearts are with you as you remember a life well lived. ~ The Lacy Family
Seth I. Jones sent Beautiful Dreams for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/18/2022

In loving memory of Miss Ruby. Always an inspiration to all of us. We will never forget you. Seth and Sandra Jones
Beautiful Dreams was sent for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/17/2022
Golden Days Basket was sent for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/17/2022
Diane Howell sent Finest Farewell Spray for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/17/2022

Cousin Ruby, Thank you for keeping in touch with the family and sharing your stories about our history. Love, Diane Diane and Louis Burton, Morgan Howell, Courtney and Stephen White Chicago, IL
Eternal Peace Basket was sent for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/16/2022
Petraine A Johnson sent Pink Tribute Spray for Mrs. Ruby Edith Burnette Dillard - 08/16/2022

Aunt Ruby, Rest in peace in God's arms. Andrea, Petraine, Ronald, and Chanika