Marion Mae Dilyard was a true Michigander. Born January 19, 1941 in Flint, raised in Battle Creek, during recess she could smell the Kellogg cereal being baked. Her high school years were spent in Addison, where she was a drum majorette, member of the Key club, attended Girls State, a waitress at her parents’ restaurant, Wolfe’s Cottage Inn, graduated and worked at Addison Schools. She proudly ran a daycare out of her home, Precious Lambs, blessing many children with her care over the years. She went to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 84 on February 2, 2025.
On June 25, 1960, she married Jack Dilyard. Today, they are dancing on the streets of gold together. With her parents, Don and Jean Wolfe watching. She was preceded in death also by her brother Don.
Marion was a member of West Rome Baptist Church, where she and Jack faithfully served as youth leaders, she was an avid prayer warrior and a great counselor.
Marion loved music, she played piano and handbells, even in her final days, she would dance at the nursing home, bringing joy to others. Marion loved to read. For years, she would proofread books for the W.R.B.C. Library. Her most faithful read was her Bible. Roman’s 8:28 was her lifelong verse. Marion loved cookies. Christmas time would find her baking dozens of varieties. Maybe you were blessed with one of her cookies?
Marion loved her family and supported them no matter what! They called her the bread Queen! There are a few bread princes and princesses that she leaves behind. Surviving are her children, Christine, (Robert) Grohe of Port Charlotte Florida, Craig Dilyard of Addison, and Carrie (Eric) Matthews of Adrian; grandchildren, Brian, Marie, Jessica, Jordin, Jacob, Alivia and Alexandrea; and great-grandchildren, Brianna, Alexander, Daniel, Lily, Paisley, Nora Jane, Liam, Ruby Jean, EllaJo, Myles, Wren, Finley, Rosalie, Wayne, Laynee, Ashlynn, Layla and Carter.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Brown Van Hemert Funeral Home, Addison, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 2-6 p.m. Services will be private with Pastor Jamie Driskill officiating and burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery in Addison.
Memorial contributions in honor of Marion are suggested to benefit Operation Christmas Child or Addison Public Library. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.brownvanhemert.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Addison.