Joyce Irene McCune Dillard

She was born on April 8, 1934, and was the third of six children born to the late Clarence Edward McCune and the late Anne Melinda (Gann) McCune. Joyce attended Athens High School, where she excelled and graduated at the age of 16. After graduation, Joyce was employed as a legal secretary for Erwin, Nix, Birchmore and Epting Law Firm in Athens for three years. It was during this time that she met and married James Edmond Dillard of Madison County, Georgia and the couple moved to Monroe, Georgia and started a family. Over the next seven years they were blessed with three sons and a daughter.

In 1968, the family moved to Decatur, Alabama, where Joyce was employed as an office manager for BYCO Plastic for four years. In 1972, the family moved back to Madison County, Georgia, where Joyce was employed by Athens Regional Medical Center as the Assistant to the Administrator for 25 years. It was during this time that James and Joyce built a home and settled in Madison County for the next 40 years.

On the weekends and Holidays, you could always find Joyce in her kitchen preparing a feast for her family and friends. Some of her happiest moments were when she had family and friends gathered around her table visiting and enjoying her delicious meals. On weeknights, after work, you could find Joyce tackling projects around the house. Whether it was taking down wallpaper, painting a room or working in the yards, she stayed busy. She also enjoyed trips to the beach with her family or traveling with friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, James Edmond Dillard; and sons: John Byron Dillard, James Gregory Dillard and Lauren Correll Dillard.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Dillard Burroughs (Steve), her daughter in law, Gina Thomason Dillard; seven grandchildren: Justin Thomas Dillard (Jenny), Brett Jordan Dillard, James Steven Burroughs (Jennybeth), Lauren Burroughs Castleberry (Tyler), Anna Marie Dillard Wright (Eric), John Edmond Campbell Dillard and Elizabeth Quinn Dillard; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, 3655 Atlanta Highway, Athens, Georgia 30606.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.