Jason Willie Dillard

Obituary For Jason Willie Dillard

Jason Willie Dillard was born August 22, 2000 to Carolynette Brown Johnson and Henry Dillard III in the city of Vero Beach, Florida. This would mark the day for yet another time of thanksgiving to the Lord for a beautiful, healthy baby boy who would touch the lives of many. He attended the schools of Indian River County: Rosewood Elementary, Gifford Middle Schools, and Vero Beach High School.

It was early in his years that Jason’s personality was known to those who loved and spent time with him. He was a timid boy and had a very quiet spirit. He was a serious child- didn’t believe in much folly and yet he had a smile that would melt through your pain and do you good. He was an observant child and stole his mother’s heart and she did his. He would stay very close to her through his years as his brother Allan affectionately phrased him as “a Mamma’s boy”. Jason too loved his father dearly and the two of them would have their unforgettable moments together. His father fondly remembers a couple rode trips they took to a few states and the joy that it was.

Well not only was he a mamma’s boy, but he was a Grandma’s boy. The beloved woman of God, the late Missionary Bessie Mae Brown, spent much time with this young man helping to shape his life spiritually. She was intentional with him as she taught him the word of God and had her one on one bible studies with Jason. She specifically taught him the 23rd Psalms. Jason understood that the Lord was his shepherd, that he would restore his soul; that even though he would walk through valleys of the shadow of death that the Lord would be with him and bring him comfort. He understood that the Lord would bless him even in the midst of his enemies; that he was anointed with the oil of God and that His goodness and mercy would follow him. She took him to Matthew 6 and taught him “Our Father’s Prayer”. She taught him to acknowledge God, rely on God, trust and have faith in God. She taught him the importance of forgiveness and to ask for it. Jason demonstrated his knowledge of what Grandma taught as he said to his mother many times, “Pray with me, Mamma”. He would pray and at times would ask her to pray. Jason attended church with his parents/grandparents throughout his life and he knew and loved the Lord and he would share with the same teaching characteristics he received from his grandmother to others before God would call him home. Among the churches he attended and grew in were Northside Agapa Ministries, The Gathering Church International, and the Light of the World Lighthouse Ministries.

Jason had two great passions. He loved his family strongly. Although he was a quiet spirited young man, he was full of love for them. He was not only the brother but the best friend to two of his older brothers, Allan and Renard, whose heart will forever remember the experiences they shared. He was a special young uncle who was crazy about his nieces and nephews. They brought such joy to him and likewise he was endearing to them. He was the gentle giant who would grab his mother and give her those big bear hugs and kisses. His sister LaKresha says she too will never forget those hugs and kisses that he gave her. The other of Jason’s most loved passions was basketball. He loved that sport and with intensity he made his way to what was called at that time the Gifford Youth Activity Center located in the heart of Gifford “G Town” where he lived. He would daily make use of the courts there to exercise himself and prove his passion. He enjoyed that with or without his friends.

As he grew, he became even more that child with a kind heart who was eager to help others where he could. He gleaned from the wisdom of his elders. The teaching skills he appreciated and learned would become a known valuable trait of his. He had compassion for others who needed encouragement. He was looked at as a young mentor to many young people going through tough times. His heart was to always do better, further his education, be successful, fulfill his dreams and help others do better. He expressed these desires to his family and was working hard to do that.

On August 6, 2020, though his life felt ripped from us Jason Willie Dillard went home to be with his Lord and we know that he is safe in His arms. The memories he has left with all of us will be forever cherished in our hearts. We are truly grateful for the time God allowed us to have with him and will let his life lived continue to enrich us the way that God intended, for we know that God is an intentional God and Jason’s life served great purpose.

Preceding him in death are; his grandparents, the late Deacon Willie Otis and the late Missionary Bessie Mae Brown; the late Reverend Henry Jr and the late Missionary Elizabeth Dillard; three uncles: the late James Brown; the late Leroy Brown; the late Edward Dillard Sr; one auntie: the late Elma (the late Willie) McKissick. He is survived by: his mother, Carolynette Brown Johnson; his father, Henry Dillard III (Darlene); two brothers: Allan (LaShawnda) Johnson; Renard (Shana) Johnson; sister: LaKresha Lincoln; step brother: Harold Stafford; step sister: Tracy (Jerry) Kearse; three uncles: Willie (Sally) Brown Jr; Tom Brown; Vernon (Anita) Dillard; nine aunties: Sallie Hicks; Corrine Brown; Ernestine (Julius) Dillard-Modest; Claudia (Larry) Franklin; Adonai (Adelowo) Adeshile; Sheila (Keith) Hurley; Samatha Dillard; Nickie Norris; Kristie Moore; ten nephews: Samarion Johnson; Roderio Johnson; Shamar Johnson; Allan Johnson; Syncere Johnson; Darron Stafford; Terry Stafford; Davon Stafford; Jonathan Stafford; British Stafford; eleven nieces: Shamiya Johnson; Re’Niya Johnson; Allanah Johnson; Sharrenah Johnson; Taylor Johnson; Skylar Johnson; Monique Stafford; Mellissa Stafford; Saniyh Stafford; Allissa Stafford; Tiesha Stafford; and a host of cousins.

Public visitation for Jason Willie Dillard will take place on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel in Vero Beach, FL between the hours of 5:00pm and 7:00pm. A celebration of his life will convene on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 11:00am at St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church in Vero Beach, FL. Burial will immediately follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce, FL.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID 19 have been relaxed, we here at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 ft. social distancing guidelines, as well.