Obituary of Clarine Dillard

ROCHESTER, NY – August 11, 2024 Sister Clarine Dillard was born on August 7, 1929, although she celebrated, August 8, “as her official birthday”, because, she said, “My Mother should know, and she said, “the 8th! She was born to Hubert and Claudia Johnson, in Andalusia, Alabama. She was the third of twelve children. After a wonderful birthday celebration, on August 10th, Clarine, feeling the love of her family, decided to take flight on August 11th of this year. Clarine was educated in the Andalusia County School System. She completed the eleventh grade, and then made the decision to get married to Henry Dillard and raise a family. Even though having not received her high school diploma, Clarine pursued a career in educating others through the “Consumer Education Program”; and there she would teach young woman how to sew, as well as how to wisely manage their finances, and shopping for their family wisely! Moving along from that program, Clarine would become a “Paraprofessional” in the Monroe County School System, teaching special education students how to read and do math. She remained there until she retired! Sis. Clarine Dillard received the Holy Ghost at a very early age. She always talked about how she would follow her mother through the dark woods of Rome, Alabama at night on their way to church. After marrying, she moved to Rochester, New York, where they would find the saints of the “House of God Church”, and there, they would begin working diligently. She enjoyed working with the children, especially, teaching Sunday School and rehearsing and putting on plays and programs. She was a faithful worker in the Church until her health failed her. Preceding her in death; Parents, Hubert and Claudia Johnson; Siblings, Idell Tillman, Gladys Blount, Marvin Johnson, Doris Williams; Daughter, Gwendolyn Dillard; Daughter-in-Law, Jeannie Dillard; Grandson, Dr. Chandre Butler, and one Great-Grandson, Shaman Nemus. She leaves to carry on her legacy; five Children, Minister Donald R. (Linda) Dillard of Rockhill, SC, General Elder Jerome Dillard of Rochester, NY, Elder Christanel (Bishop Cleve) Butler of Ocala, FL, Mrs. Linda (Glenn) Williams of Port St. Lucie, FL, Elder Terry (Minister Denise) Dillard, of Phoenix, AZ; Siblings, Inez Jordan of Mansfield, OH, Voncile Bean of Rochester, NY, Mildred (Raymond) Nearor, Carolyn Burns, both of Mansfield, OH; Brothers, Carlton (Jessie) Johnson of Mansfield, OH, Tillman (Annette) Johnson of Pittsburgh, PA, Clifford (Marilyn) Johnson of Mansfield, OH; one Grandson raised by Granny, Calvin Lamont Dillard; 15 Grandchildren, 37 Great-Grandchildren, 8 Great-Great-Grandchildren; God Children, Angela Washington of NC, Lonya McMillon of Rochester, NY and a host of other relatives and friends. Friends may call Monday, August 19 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Faith Church, 1876 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Interment Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, NY.