Barbara Jean Dillon

On October 10, 2025, Barbara Jean Dillon was called home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. Barbara was born in Daytona Beach FL on January 4, 1947. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother and father, Evelyn Joyce and William Fred Lynch. She grew up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where she met her husband, Dr. William "Billy'' Dillon, in high school. Not only were they high school sweethearts, but they were homecoming king and queen at New Smyrna Beach High School. Barbara was also preceded in death by her husband, and best friend, Billy Dillon. Barbara adored her daughter, Melissa Dillon Petty, and her two grandsons, Daniel Jennings Young, and Dillon Brewer Young. Her family was her whole world! Son-in-law: Kenny Petty; sisters Trisha Hardin, and Jeanette Penberthy (deceased); Nieces and nephews: Michele Lay (John), Heather Braden (Dana), Hope Hardin, and Jerry Penberthy (Laura). Her family didn't call her Barbara but called her "Baboo", all except for her youngest grandson, Dillon, who called her "Bobbi"!

As a young girl Barbara always knew she wanted to be a teacher, her dad had other plans for her and felt like she needed to be a secretary. When she went off to college, she told her dad her dream was to be a teacher and later she received her BS degree in Elementary Education at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia. She cheered all 4 years and was captain of the cheerleaders, along with being a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. After college she began her teaching career and taught 9 years in the State of Georgia and 26 years at Destin Elementary School in Destin FL. She received the honor of Teacher of the Year not only once, but twice during her years at Destin Elementary. She was loved by so many students, and their parents. She had so much compassion for her students, and she always went above and beyond. Her students loved their Mrs. Dillon. Her class presented annual plays and even performed them at the Seaside Amphitheatre when A&E network was filming. Her plays were like Broadway; what she could get her students to do was incredible!

In Honor of Barbara's grandson, Dillon, memorials may be made to the Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF) International, and/or the American Diabetes Association.

Barbara's desire was to have an intimate family gathering with the ones held dearest to her heart; her loving family. A graveside service will be held at the Barrancas' National Cemetery in Pensacola FL. Her husband, Billy Dillon, was buried there in honor of his heroic service as a Marine in Vietnam.

Barbara Dillon had a very strong faith, and she understood the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ!