Nancy Hollis Dillard

Nancy Hollis Dillard, 89, of Orlando, FL died of natural causes at her home on March 27, 2011, surrounded by members of her loving family. She valiantly battled Alzheimer's disease for the past six years, and maintained her sense of humor to the very end. Gertha Nancy Artemesia Dunlap Gaston Hollis Dillard was born in Rock Hill, SC, on December 7, 1921, to Gill and Gertha Hollis, and was the youngest of six Hollis siblings; brothers Harris, Billy, and Charlie; and sisters Geraldine and

Elizabeth. Family lore has it that Nancy was given her formidable name to honor both her mother and all the 'aunts' in the Hollis family who didn't have a niece named after them. Although she bore her name with pride, Nancy was known to comment that "the rule of saving the best for last" didn't necessarily apply when it came to naming children in the Hollis family. After High School, Nancy attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill for one year, and then Nursing School in Florence, SC. Immediately following graduation, at the beginning of WWII, she joined the Army and served as a surgical nurse in the Evacuation Hospital of the 1st Army, in Europe, until the end of the war. In 1946, Nancy met and "instantly fell in love with" her life-mate and sweetheart Chester L. Dillard. They were married only 18 days after meeting, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Saturday, March 26, the night before Nancy's passing. Nancy was an accomplished writer, political activist, and outspoken advocate for human rights and equality. She taught compassion, commitment, and advocacy to those who knew and loved her, and we are all better for the lessons. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her brothers and sisters, her aunts and uncles, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends, and beloved pets. She is survived by her loving husband Chester (Chet); their children Debbie, Glenn, Phoebe, Esther and Louis; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews. A lovely, family graveside memorial service, celebrating a lifetime of "Chet loves Nancy", was held on April 2, 2011. Donations in Nancy's memory can be made to either of two wonderful organizations: Vitas Hospice, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751, phone 407-875-0028, or; Alzheimer's Organization, at website www.alz.org, phone 800-272-3900. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL, 34734. 407.293.1361