Patricia Anne Dillard

Patricia Anne Bennett Dillard, age 81, of Baldwin, Georgia went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 2, 2026. 

Mrs. Dillard was born on November 19, 1944 in Royston, Georgia to the late Rev. Horace Bennett and Sue McElreath Bennett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Stanley Bennett; and her niece, Rebecca Bennett Edwards. Known for her giving heart, Patricia touched the lives of all who knew her through her kindness, service, and genuine love for others. Patricia greatly enjoyed her career, serving as the Transportation Director for the Habersham County Senior Center until her retirement. Her work was far more than a job, it was a ministry of care. She cherished the time she spent with the members of the senior center, helping them in whatever ways she could. A woman grounded in faith, Patricia was proud to be the daughter of a Church of God minister and spent the majority of her life involved in the Church of God. In recent years, she attended New Vision Worship Center, continuing her walk of faith and fellowship. At home, Patricia found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved canning green beans, and was especially known for her homemade jellies, jams, and fudge. An avid reader, she delighted in sharing books with friends, and more recently enjoyed making pot holders, gifting many with her handmade creations. Above all else, Patricia’s heart belonged to her family. They were her greatest joy and her constant focus. She will be remembered most as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and "grandmere", whose legacy of love, faith, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Survivors include her loving husband of nearly 60 years (1-7-1966), James "Jimmy" Dillard, of Baldwin; son, Geoffrey Dillard, of Baldwin; daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Matt Hanrahan, of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren, Luke Hanrahan, Nathan Hanrahan, and Andrew Hanrahan; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Larry Bennett and Margie; Kenneth and Pam Bennett; sisters-in-law, Lisa Bennett, and Yvonne Waters; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Mickey Umbehant, Rev. Austin Ivester, and Mr. Nathan Hanrahan officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026 at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Gideon's International Habersham South Camp, P.O. Box 198, Baldwin, GA 30511 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to a Veteran's program of one's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-7123.