Mary Ida Dillon

Mary Ida Dillon, with her family beside her, peacefully left this earth on February 21, 2018 and entered the gates of heaven, where she was welcomed by the many friends and family that had gone before her. She was born 10/11/22 to Alan McCune Smith and Chita Beasley Smith. She was the last surviving of her three sisters, having been predeceased by Chita Smith Gaskin and Betty Smith Evins. Mary Ida attended Avondale Elementary, Ramsey High School, and the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority. She was predeceased by daughter, Mary Dillon Putman; grandson, Josh Spivey and granddaughter, Elizabeth Salaun. She is survived by two daughters and a son, Anne Dillon Faulkenburg (Jerry), Elizabeth Dillon Parks (Terry), and William Smith Dillon (Tammy), three grandchildren, Drew Faulkenburg (Christina), Brandon Faulkenburg (Candace), and Evan Dillon, four great grandchildren, her first cousin, Daisy Hillhouse, and many nieces and nephews. Mary Ida was truly a Southern lady-respectful, kind, gracious, generous with all she had-a strong woman who lived her life with purpose. She was never a complainer right up to the end of her life. The word she used all the time that sums up her view of life was “wonderful.” Mary Ida had many friends from grammar school on that remained close to her throughout her life. She was a member of the Birmingham Country Club, Jr. League of Alabama, Vanities, Garden Club, and many others. During her life she was an avid volunteer, where she ranked being a Pink Lady at St.Vincent’s at the top. Her last “real” job at Town and Country in Crestline Village was her favorite because it allowed her the opportunity to keep up with her many friends. Mary Ida was a member of First Presbyterian Church from birth where she was a Sunday School teacher, church circle leader, Deacon, and Elder. It pained her when she was no longer able to attend due to health. She never thought she would ever require help, as she was a strong and independent lady, but she came to love her caregivers, as did her family. We are eternally grateful for Joyce, Clara, Karen, Wendy, and Linda, for they treated her like they would have treated their own mothers. A memorial service will be held at St. Martin’s, The Arbors, on February 27, 2018 at 3:30, with a reception to follow. Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, St. Martin’s Chapel Fund, and the Birmingham Botanical Garden.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Dillon family.