GWENNETTE SAMS DILLARD

Gwennette Sams Dillard, 78, DeLand, passed away April 19, 2012 at home. Her life will be celebrated 11am Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Greater Refuge Church of Our Lord, 316 South Adelle Avenue, DeLand, Bishop James Darby, host pastor; Elder Pretis Godwin, her pastor, officiating. Pastor Betty Pittman will deliver the main eulogy. Visitation will be held Friday from 4pm to 7pm at J. E. Cusack Mortuary and viewing on Saturday from 10am until service time. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery and a repast to follow at Chisholm Community Center. The family cortege will assemble at her residence Saturday at 10:30 a. m. Mother Gwennette Sams Dillard was born in Fitzgerald, GA to the late Sarah English Sams and the late Reverend Julius Sams; one of their fourteen children. She later met and married the late Reverend John Calvin Dillard on July 11, 1955. To this union was born five children. A faithful member of St. Paul Holiness Church, she served in several capacities. She was also employed by several DeLand attorneys and doctors as a nanny/housekeeper to their families. Survivors include: five daughters: Joannie Green (Leroy), DeLand, FL; Joyce Manning (Willie), Atlanta, GA; Beverly Dillard, DeLand, FL; Clementine Denmark (Reginald), Orlando, FL; Jane Dillard, DeLand, FL; and a close family friend, Bobbie Edwards and Sharon Pinkney; surviving sisters and brothers: Earnestine Rembert (Floyd), Orlando, FL; Julius Sams, Miami, FL; Eugene Sams (Barbara), Douglas, GA; Jacqueline Davis (Freddie), East Orange, NJ; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends. Arrangements entrusted to the care of J. E. Cusack Mortuary.