Patricia Ann Terry-Dillard, 77

Decatur, Ga. resident and Warren County native Patricia Ann Terry-Dillard, 77, passed away peacefully at her home on June 26, 2026, following an extended illness. She was born on Aug. 24, 1948.

Patricia retired from Oster Manufacturing and later worked at Tietgens Super Rama Foods before relocating to Georgia, where she spent the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys Brown Terry, and Nathaniel Terry; her husband, William “Bill” “Sonny” Locke, Jr.; her daughter, Geneva Ann Locke Pleasant; and her siblings, Sue Carol Thomas, Hobert Brown, Larry Gene Brown, Brenda Joyce King, and Dorothy Maxcine Braston.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Nicole Evette Locke and Melvin Lee Dillard, Jr., both of Georgia; her sisters, Eva (Fred) Savage of McMinnville, Nathana Denise Grayson of McMinnville, and Teresa Ann Blakely of Knoxville. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Casey Locke, William “Will” Wellington, Dontarious Dillard, Nathaniel Dillard, Sandrica Hayes, Shaelyn Ivy, Avery Mizell, DeShawn Southerland, and Meshala Southerland; her great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Harris, Braylen Locke, Preslee Locke, Max Smith, and Axton Southerland; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends, including Linda Bradshaw, Pamela Croom, Mattie Florence, Edward Hicks, Felicia Mizell, Randall Pleasant, and Eva Robinson.

Patricia was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord and cherished her family above all else. She was known for her thoughtful and kind heart, her infectious smile and laughter, and the genuine love she showed to everyone she met. She spent much of her adult life in McMinnville, before later moving to Georgia.

She found joy in reading her Bible, watching The Golden Girls, and listening to the music of Al Green. Those who knew Patricia will remember her warmth, unwavering faith, generous spirit, and the love she shared so freely. She remained surrounded by love until her very last breath and will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. at Hiawassee Church of Christ in Morrison.

Main Street Journal

July 3, 2026