Mary Elarbee Dillard

Mary Elizabeth (Mary Lib) Dillard died at her home on Friday, January 28, 2005 after a long illness resulting from a stroke in August, 2001.  She was a loving mother, devoted companion, and lover of all things beautiful.  Mary Dillard was born in Bullock County to Fred W. Elarbee and Saphronia Rustin on March 7, 1920.  She graduated from Brooklet High School and studied music at Georgia College for Women (GSCW) in Milledgeville, Georgia where she sang in the A Cappella Choir.  On her 17th birthday, she met George Dillard in the Young People?s class at Pattillo Memorial Methodist Church.  Swinging that beautiful leg out in the aisle, George was captivated for life.  They married in March, 1941 and George took his bride to Boston to be with him as he served as an agent with the FBI.  They spent 12¢ years traveling between Boston, New York, Washington and Atlanta while George was with the FBI.  In 1953, they settled in Decatur where George practiced law.  They were married 64 years.  Mary Lib was active in many civic associations.  Among the many positions she held, she was a past President of the DeKalb Junior League, a Trustee of the Callanwolde Foundation, President of the Decatur High School PTA, and member of the Paty Sunday School class at Decatur First United Methodist Church. Mary Lib?s major joys were her music and her family.  She played the piano and sang in the choir at Pattillo and later at Decatur First Untied Methodist Church.  She was so very proud of her children and always supported them in all their endeavors.  She is remembered by all her friends and family as a wonderful, caring friend and devoted mother and wife.  In addition to her husband, George, Mary Lib will be missed by her sister, Jo Harper of Jacksonville, Florida, her children Doug Dillard of Atlanta, Randy Dillard of Kissimmee, FL, and Jan Dillard of Atlanta as well as seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 1st at 11:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary of Decatur First United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Paty Sunday School class or the choir at Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, Georgia 30030.   A. S. Turner & Sons