Carolyn Dillard was born on August 1, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Delia Mae Davis and Jasper Davis. As the eldest of five children, she was a source of strength, love, and encouragement to her family throughout her life.

At the age of ten, Carolyn accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. She attended Alfred A. Benesch Vocational High School before continuing her education at Kent State University. Carolyn built a career in bookkeeping, public housing, and administrative services.

During her early adult years, she married Walter Dillard, and although the marriage later ended, from that union she was blessed with her two beloved children, DeMario Davis and Aja Pryor, who became the pride and joy of her life.

Carolyn was a woman of unwavering faith whose greatest passion was caring for others. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—beginning each morning with a cup of coffee while watching her favorite online ministries, playing bingo, discovering hidden treasures while thrift shopping, and spending time with those she loved. She shared a special bond with her sisters and had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel welcomed, loved, and encouraged. Carolyn never believed in holding tightly to what she had. She found great joy in giving money to others, offering a helping hand, and encouraging those who needed it most. Blessing people came naturally to her, and she wanted everyone she encountered to feel loved, encouraged, and cared for. Her kindness, generous heart, and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on everyone who knew and loved her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Delia Mae Davis and Jasper Davis; her brothers, Jasper Davis and Albert Davis; and her sister, Elizabeth Davis.

Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, DeMario Davis (Veronica Davis); her beloved daughter, Aja Pryor (Pierre Pryor); her cherished grandchildren, Amarhi, Jordan, Jaylen, Danaii, and Pierre Jr.; three adored great-grandchildren; her devoted sisters, Josie Pearl Davis, Maryann Davis, and Veronica Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though Carolyn will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, generosity, kindness, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.