Yolande Stanley Dillon

On the evening of Thursday, December 16, 2021 in Houston Texas, the angels sang, trumpets sounded and the heavenly gates opened for our beloved Yolande Stanley Dillon. “Honey”, as she was affectionately called by all those who loved her, was born September 3, 1936, to the late Edgar Stanley and Claire Kimp Stanley, in New Orleans Louisiana. Her spiritual journey included membership at the First African Baptist Church of the 6th District, St James Methodist Church of Louisiana, and Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. God was always the center of her life and it showed in the work she did in the church, as well as her dedication to the wellbeing of the young lives she touched. Her educational journey began early in Orleans Parish Public Schools and continued on the collegiate level at her beloved Dillard University. It was at Dillard that she pledged her lifetime commitment of service to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter in 1955. She married her true love, Edgar ‘Duke’ Dillon in 1958, a relationship she described as “A Love Supreme”. In May, 1961, Tony was born and their family was complete. Honey was extremely passionate about her work as an educator and guidance counselor to many students in the school system, but she always made herself available to provide guidance to any young person she encountered. She is credited to being a major influence to many students for more than 60 years, helping them to prepare for their educational journey on levels after high school and beyond. In 2005, after living in New Orleans for 69 years, Hurricane Katrina necessitated a move to Houston with her family. It was there that Honey continued her love for education where she volunteered her time and talent at Channelview High School and worked part time at San Jacinto College North, providing guidance to students, many of whom were also displaced by the hurricane, adapt to a new environment and curriculum. Her love and dedication to the education of youth and young adults continued until she earned her wings. Even though she relocated to Houston, she maintained many New Orleans traditions dear to her heart. The holiday gatherings included her famous gumbo, red beans and rice, and potato salad, to name a few. Honey also maintained an active membership in the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., even though she was living in Houston. She continued to maintain a close connection with many of her Sorors of New Orleans Alumnae. Honey will be remembered for her gentle, giving spirit and her love for students. She enjoyed listening to music, reading, helping others, and sharing her knowledge of education with anyone who aspired to better themselves. Her beautiful smile and warm personality will be missed immensely by her family, extended family and all the students she impacted along her journey as an educator and counselor. Her unwavering faith and solid leadership were a constant source of strength for her family, friends, and community. Her journey is indeed a testament of a strong legacy for all her loved ones to follow. Although the last year of her life was spent navigating the pandemic, she was surrounded by her son Tony whom she loved dearly, family and friends who made sure her days were filled with joy, love and laughter. Honey was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 55 years Edgar ‘Duke’ Dillon, and survived by her beloved son Tony Dillon (Pecolia), her sister Sylvia Stanley Turner and James Carter, a dear friend whose life she touched in a special way and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Greater Pleasant Baptist Church, 3421 S. Claiborne Ave. on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.