Deacon Melvin Allen Dillard, Sr.

As for me my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the Lord the righteousness Judge will give me on the day of His return. 2 Timothy 4”6-7 NLT

Deacon Melvin Allen Dillard was born on June 4, 1946, to the late Forrest and Elizabeth Hairston Dillard in Pittsylvania County Chatham, VA . On the morning of April 20, 2025, Resurrection Sunday, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather peacefully answered God's call to come home, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith that will be cherished forever. He was 78 years old.

Melvin attended the public schools in VA. He Served in the United States Marine Corp for six years. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1978, he pursued his career, working for several different Body shops as an Auto Body Man. Melvin took business college courses at Del Tech Community College. He was known for his strong work ethic, dedicating many years to Auto body companies: Fiat, Sheehy Ford, Carmen Ford, Sheridan Ford, Delaware Cadillac, John’s Body shop and Maaco until his health began to fail him.

After asking my mother could he talk to me, his “soulmate” the ball begun rolling and after ten years of courtship, he joined in Holy Matrimony with the love of his life and best friend, Darlene White, who he affectionately called “Dollene”.

Melvin received the Lord as his personal savior early in life. He united in fellowship with New Calvary Baptist Church and later was ordained a deacon by Bishop Vincent P. Oliver. After leaving, he joined Latter Day Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wayne S. Miles. Later, he joined Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Herbert J. Owens Sr and faithfully served until his declining health prevented him from doing so.. He was a faithful dedicated member and served as deacon at each place of Worship.

Melvin loved sports, especially those Philadelphia Eagles. He later developed a love for bingo, which is funny to me, because I could never get him to play bingo, my favorite game at home. He loved to hear his wife sing and promoted my gift while praising me in the courts. He loved his wife, his children, grandchildren, great grands, and family. His favorite quote: “You got to adapt and Semper Fi”, a Latin phrase meaning “always faithful. The motto of the Marine Corps.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Elizabeth Dillard, his mother-in-love, Evangelist Angienora Tanner, one son, Melvin Dillard, Jr.; three sisters: Mary Francis, Tressie Motley-Wade, Pauline Hardy five brothers: John Hairston, Forrest Dillard, Jr., Paul Dillard, Payton Dillard, and the late Nelson Dillard.

Melvin’s memory will be eternally cherished by his devoted wife of 46 years, Rev. Dr. Marcinda Darlene Dillard; his three beloved sons: Derrick White (Savanna), Kiwan White (Shanda),and Melvin Dillard of Delaware; one sister Connie Graves of North Carolina, one sister-in-love Janie Friend and two brothers -in-love Michael White(Whitney) and Tyrone White all of Wilmington ,DE three beautiful granddaughters, Brittney Walls, New Castle, DE, Kayla Dudziak, Ciera Dudziak both of Anderson, South Carolina, and two precious, loving, and devoted grandchildren that he nurtured as his own, Darlene Gatlin(Dede) and Zayne White of the home; two grandsons: a loving and devoted grandson Daekwon Sequira, New Castle, DE; Zion Moore, Swedesboro, New Jersey; two great grands: Tatiana Cruz, Costello Cruz, both of New Castle, DE; two God-Children: Nikki Hawkes and Ciara Lynch, both of Delaware, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends

Melvin was an exceptional faithful and loving husband who lived a life of faith, service, and love. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his kindness and devotion. He is now resting in the presence of the Lord, surrounded by love, peace, and grace.

Melvin’s passing coinciding with the resurrection of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is emotional and comforting. There is a message in this; “We Will Understand it Better By and By”. As the family mourns , we find solace in the image of our beloved Deacon Melvin Allen Dillard Sr stepping in Glory an enduring symbol of love and family unity. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come”. The message is simple: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and hold your loved ones close.

The Family