Ms. Doris Gaye Dillard

Ms. Doris Gaye Dillard, 85 of the Derby community, joined her husband and daughter in glory Tuesday evening in Poplarville. Doris was born Wednesday, January 4, 1933 in Derby, and grew up in the Boley - Derby area. She was a determined young lady, and taught herself to play the piano by ear. She drew keys on the table at home, and teachers at school would tell her the notes, which she added to the drawn keys, and would spend hours practicing at her "table piano". When asked how she could hear the music, she replied "I hear it in my head.". She became very accomplished at the piano, and played all her life in church, as well as singing groups and quartets. Among those were The Smith Family, The Master's Hand, and The Watchmen, among others. She graduated from McNeill High School in 1951, the only female in the class. She enjoyed basketball and softball, playing with her kids and grandkids as often as she could. Doris made a career as a restaurateur, operating a few cafe's and restaurants over the years, at times with her sister, Laura. She literally served thousands of meals to people over the years. She was a founding member of Derby Place Missionary Baptist Church, played the piano faithfully for many years, and was the last of the founders remaining. Doris is remembered as a kind, loving, and virtuous woman who loved the Lord and her family, in that order. Her daughters remember her as "the best momma ever", and someone who was never too tired for her kids. Doris will be fondly remembered, and sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vireece & Tena Smith; by her husband, James Dillard; her daughter, Sandra Lynn Dillard; her sister, Laura Head, and brothers Nolan and Frank Smith. Left to cherish her memories are her children, daughters Donna Dillard and Cindy Smith, both of Derby; a brother, Percy (Barbara) Smith, and a sister, Gracie (Charles) Lumpkin, all of Poplarville; five grandchildren, Mandy (Scott) Necaise, Angela Gatskie, Danielle (Shane) Hickman, Candice Lee, and Jake (Jessica) Staten; along with twelve great-grands, one great-great-grand, with several nieces and nephews. Only the Lord knows how many friends and customers she made over the years. The family will receive friends for visitation Wednesday evening, August 22, 2018, from 6:00 PM at Derby Place Missionary Baptist Church. Another visitation period will be from 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins, at 10:00 AM on Thursday morning. Interment will follow at Derby Place MBC Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Dillard family, and asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.