Obituary for Vassie Mae Dilligard
Vassie Mae Dick Dilligard was born February 17, 1933 in Echo, Alabama to Jesse C. Dick and Ethel Mood Trawick. Vassie came from a large family. Her formative years were spent on a farm, where her family raised animals and grew vegetables to sell at the market.
In 1947, at the age of 13 Vassie came to New York City to live with her older sister Marvell Bishop in Harlem. Vassie met Julius Dilligard in 1948, they developed a loving relationship which led to marriage in 1951. Eight children were born from this union, four boys and four girls. Even though Vassie was unable to complete her own education, she was still able to instill the importance of education in all of her children. Vassie took on her roll as wife and mother and instilled in her children high values, morals, discipline and a strong knowledge of God.
In 1959 Vassie became a member of the Pentecostal Church, Refuge Church of Christ. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and has been a faithful and dedicated member ever since. Under the leadership of her former pastor Bishop Christopher Dobbins, she joined the Missionary Group in 1966. She also participated in the Willing Workers Group, and sang in the Mass Choir and the Celestial Choir. She continued serving for a brief time under the leadership of Bishop Gary B. Coach and was an active member of the Senior Citizens Group and the Women’s Counsel Group. Vassie’s faithful journey continued under the leadership of the current pastor Elder Carlon Davis.
Vassie worked for several years for the Cabs Nursing Home as a home attendant. After many years of marriage Julius and Vassie were no longer husband and wife but stood united as family and were very supportive of one another.
Vassie was proceeded in death by her husband Julius Dilligard Sr., son Freddie, daughter Lorraine, four sisters Wilma, Marvell, Lili, Renae, and four brothers Billy Mack, Haywood, Elvin and Shelby and a niece, Mary Lee; two nephews: Willis and Henry
Vassie leaves to cherish her memory one brother James Walter, One brother in law Le Walter, six children Julius Jr. Joann, Regina, Gisele, Jerome, Russell. One son-in-law Abel Barzell Smith. Three daughters-in-law Micki, Elizabeth and Teresa. Grandchildren LaShawnda, Otika, Shelby, Shara, Lamar, Orice, Tracina, Jerome Jr., Katrice and Kaylah. Great grandchildren Chandon, Josia, Aneesa and Orice Jr. Nieces Gail Wheaton, MaryLou Brown, Carol Dick, Susan Dick and Desiree and Derrick Dick and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
In 1947, at the age of 13 Vassie came to New York City to live with her older sister Marvell Bishop in Harlem. Vassie met Julius Dilligard in 1948, they developed a loving relationship which led to marriage in 1951. Eight children were born from this union, four boys and four girls. Even though Vassie was unable to complete her own education, she was still able to instill the importance of education in all of her children. Vassie took on her roll as wife and mother and instilled in her children high values, morals, discipline and a strong knowledge of God.
In 1959 Vassie became a member of the Pentecostal Church, Refuge Church of Christ. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and has been a faithful and dedicated member ever since. Under the leadership of her former pastor Bishop Christopher Dobbins, she joined the Missionary Group in 1966. She also participated in the Willing Workers Group, and sang in the Mass Choir and the Celestial Choir. She continued serving for a brief time under the leadership of Bishop Gary B. Coach and was an active member of the Senior Citizens Group and the Women’s Counsel Group. Vassie’s faithful journey continued under the leadership of the current pastor Elder Carlon Davis.
Vassie worked for several years for the Cabs Nursing Home as a home attendant. After many years of marriage Julius and Vassie were no longer husband and wife but stood united as family and were very supportive of one another.
Vassie was proceeded in death by her husband Julius Dilligard Sr., son Freddie, daughter Lorraine, four sisters Wilma, Marvell, Lili, Renae, and four brothers Billy Mack, Haywood, Elvin and Shelby and a niece, Mary Lee; two nephews: Willis and Henry
Vassie leaves to cherish her memory one brother James Walter, One brother in law Le Walter, six children Julius Jr. Joann, Regina, Gisele, Jerome, Russell. One son-in-law Abel Barzell Smith. Three daughters-in-law Micki, Elizabeth and Teresa. Grandchildren LaShawnda, Otika, Shelby, Shara, Lamar, Orice, Tracina, Jerome Jr., Katrice and Kaylah. Great grandchildren Chandon, Josia, Aneesa and Orice Jr. Nieces Gail Wheaton, MaryLou Brown, Carol Dick, Susan Dick and Desiree and Derrick Dick and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.