Jean Wise Dillon

RALEIGH - Jean Wise Dillon, 82, passed away Wednesday, July 28. Born in Coleman Falls, VA to Charles Massie and Collins Davis Wise, Raleigh was her home for the past 64 years. With a career in the insurance industry until 2007, Jean was involved in many community volunteer organizations, a member of The Women’s Club of Raleigh, and North Ridge Country Club. She was a member of Pilot and Tabernacle Baptist churches, attending The Shepherd’s Church during her last years. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband of almost 5 years, Melvin Jackson Dillon, and husband of 41 years, Dillard (Ken) McKinley Pritchard, three brothers, Emory Davis Wise, Charles Massie Wise, Jr., William Clayton Wise, and one sister, Jewell Dean Davis. She is survived by her children: Alden Pritchard and wife Linda, their daughter Meg of Raleigh, Donna Gately of Raleigh, Bruce Dillon and wife Joyce, their son Bryan Dillon, and granddaughter Katie Dillon of Columbia, SC, Deborah Bircher and husband John of Winchester, KY, their son Joshua Sarli, daughter April Digh, and son Samuel Dillon. Jean is also survived by two sisters: Penny Bryant and Darlene Wilkinson both of Virginia, their spouses, and her many nieces and nephews. The following professionals need to be acknowledged for their compassionate care of Jean over the span of the past five years: Stay at Home Senior Care, Sarah Care Adult Day Care, Waltonwood Lake Boone, Bayada Home Health, and Transitions LifeCare. A graveside service will take place Tuesday, August 3, 11 a.m. at Historic Oakwood Cemetery Mausoleum, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s honor to The Shepherd’s Theological Seminary, 6051 Tryon Road, Cary, NC 27518 or to Wisdom International, 2703 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 105, Cary, NC 27518. Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com