Mrs. Essie Mae Dillard, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at approximately 3:41 a.m. at Lima Memorial Health Systems.

She was born on November 7, 1932 in Pittsview, Alabama to the union of McKenzie and Nancy (Peterson) Hunter, Sr. ; both parents preceded her in death.

She was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Lawrence Dillard who preceded her in death, to that union one child was born, Patricia Dillard-Whitfield, who also preceded her in death in 2007.

Mrs. Dillard worked at Lima Memorial Hospital from 1955 to 1968.  She retired from Westinghouse after over 27 years. Mrs. Dillard loved flowers, and loved working in her yard.  She also loved children, and all the children that knew her loved her.  She confessed Christ at an early age at Zion Spring Baptist Church in Pittsview, Alabama where she served on the usher board until she moved to Lima.  She was a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Nurses Guild and Pastor's Aide for many years.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory a granddaughter whom she raised, Jessica Whitfield. 1 God daughter; LeKita McKee;  2 stepsons; Terry Johnson of Lima and Calvin Johnson of Houston, TX.  1 God granddaughter; Chelsea McKee.  2 step grandchildren; April Ferrell (Craig) of Cincinnati, OH and Ryan Whitfield of Memphis, TN.  4 step-great grandchildren.  3 brothers; McKenzie Hunter, Jr. (Debra) and Clarence Hunter both of Merrillville, IN and  Luke Hunter (Earnestine) of Rochester, NY.  5 sisters;  Eula Hill of Lima.  Lucinda Irvin, Christine Hunter and Idella Brown( Jean) all of Gary, IN and  Ella B. Williams (Willie) of Merrillville, IN.  1 half-sister; Leila Strong of East Chicago, IN and  1 sister-in-law; Katherine Brantley (Malachi) of New Jersey.  2 special nieces; Joanna Jacobs and Bobbie Wilkerson.  2 special friends;  Ruthie Mays and Joe Miles.

She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers;  Moses Hunter and Frederick Hunter.  1 half-sister; Bessie Smith.  3 sisters; Clara Wilhight, Nancy Mickey and Mary Bell Long.