Donna Dillard Toler

Donna Patricia Dillard (Toler), aged 69, entered into eternal sleep on June 16, 2025 at Tate Springs Health & Rehab, Lynchburg, Virginia, after a short period of illness. She was the daughter of the late Donna Carlessa Wilson Dillard and the late Jerome Francis Dillard, Sr.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerome (Tyke) Francis Dillard, Jr. and sister, Vanessa Marilyn Dillard Saunders.

Donna Patricia, known affectionately to everyone as “Pat”, attended Lynchburg Public Schools (Dunbar High School in Lynchburg, VA), and later in life completed her GED.

Pat worked many jobs from a very early age in and around Lynchburg, VA and additionally in Richmond, VA, when she went to support her loving brother (Vic). Her last employment was as a Hand Packaging Operator (HPO) for KDC/One (Tri Tech Industries). After retirement, she was able to enjoy her true passions in life – caring for others, laughing with friends on the phone and front porch, cooking for her family, and kicking butt in cards. 25 Hundred, Bid Whist and Quarter Tunk were her favorites. Until her passing, Pat was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, dearest friend and loving member of the community.

The Dillard Family, were lifelong members of Diamond Hill Baptist Church. She frequently attended services on multiple occasions with her dearest friend Darlene. She kept her Bible close and would often read passages within her personal time, during the early hours of the morning. Pat loved to get up “before the chickens” and would often be up for 4-5 hours before everyone else. She would get more done in those hours, than most people accomplished all day.

The life skills and wisdom that she passed on and instilled in everyone that she cared about, is her true legacy. Her children, Shawn and Adrian, loved and respected her dearly; and in return, she loved and respected them. In the last few years, Pat was blessed with (2) additional twin grandchildren – Savannah and Shawn, along with Ryan Dillard and Senisha Booker. All were her pride and joy!

Pat loved many and many loved her. She touched so many lives, they are impossible to list. She leaves behind an extended family of (2) sons, Adrian J. Toler previously of Lynchburg, VA and Shawn D. Dillard (Crystal) of Henrico, VA, (4) grandchildren, (2) sisters, Carla Williams of Lynchburg, VA and La-Juan Cason (Vinson) of Wrightsville, GA; (3) brothers, Gregory Dillard (Larry), Timothy Dillard, and Victor Dillard of Lynchburg, VA; aunt, Sarah Thornhill of Lynchburg, VA; uncle, Jerry Dillard of Lynchburg, VA; and devoted life partner Clarence Baldwin. As well as many other family and friends, wherever they may reside.

Special acknowledgement goes to her lifelong support team of Wanda Scott, Libbie Scarborough, Darlene Ames, Margaret Ann Saunders, Barbara Jean Dillard, Michelle Grange, LaDonna Baber, Toya Saunders, and Tamani Blanchette. All present and active in her life until the very end.

A visitation will be at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 3 pm - 6 pm.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.