Nadine Dillard Johnson

Nadine Dillard Johnson, 88, was born August 5, 1932 to the late William M. Dillard and Harriet Staples Dillard. She entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
Nadine was the youngest of seven children and a life-long resident of the Carver Community of Martinsville & Henry County. At the age of 13, she gave her life to Christ and was baptized at the Meadow Christian Church. She received her education through the Henry County Public Schools, and was a proud member of the first graduating class of George Washington Carver High School in 1951. In her early years, she was a domestic worker for several families in the community. She later entered the textile industry, working for several knitting mills in the community as a cover seamer. She retired from Bassett Walker Knitting Company after 20-plus years of service, and later from Pluma, Inc. after nearly a decade of service.
On December 25, 1951 she married the love of her life, Curtis William Johnson. To this union was born one daughter, Cassandra Johnson Travis. Nadine and William were blessed with over 35 years of marriage before his death on January 21, 1987. She served as the vice president of both of his businesses: C.W Johnson Paving Co. and Minority Associate Contractors Corporation, Inc. God blessed her to live an additional 34 years after his death. Up until recent weeks, you could find Nadine outside raking leaves or sweeping the sidewalk to keep her yard and home clean.
Shortly after marriage, Nadine and William became members of the Saint James Pentecostal Holiness Church in Fieldale, Virginia. She was an active and dutiful member for close to 30 years. Nadine served as a deacon’s wife and on the senior choir, combined choir, and the Pentecostal Senior Choir for the Greater International Pentecostal Holiness Church. She always looked forward to taking her summer vacation during the week of the Holy Elder’s Council at the “Assembly Building,” and to taking the annual Labor Day Weekend trip with the saints to White Plains, New York.
Following William’s death, Nadine was led to move her membership to Shiloh Way of the Cross Church. On February 8, 1987, she along with her grandson, Travell, were both baptized in “Jesus Name” by then, Elder Earley Dillard. Sister Nadine, as she was affectionately called, was a faithful member of the church. She attended all services, including outgoing services, church vacations, and trips to jubilees and convocations until her health declined. Sister Nadine will also be remembered as a powerful singer who would stir the congregation. Whether singing from the pew or leading one of her songs with the Adult Choir (Golden Sanctuary Voices of Praise): “When I Get Where Jesus Is, Time, Time, Time”, “Maybe My Last Time I Don’t Know”, and “Sing Till the Power of the Lord Comes Down,” she always gave God her best. She took pride and joy in seeing her grandson serve in the church and ultimately be called into the ministry. Whenever she had a chance to hear him minister, you would find her either crying, rejoicing, or running to the altar to give him a hug after service because of how proud she was of him.
In addition to her parents and husband, Nadine was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters-in-law: William A. (Alberta) Dillard, Lee M. Dillard, and Eugene (Laura) Dillard; and three sisters and three brothers-in-law: Una Mae (Thomas) Smith, Geneva Posey (Nathaniel) Hairston, and Amanda (George) Dodson.
She is survived by one daughter, Cassandra Johnson Travis, of Martinsville; one grandson, Bishop Travell (Sherina) Travis, Esq.; and three great-granddaughters, Deona Grace Travis, Janiyah Sherise Travis, and Amiyah Jovanna Travis, all of Richmond, Virginia. In addition, she is survived by one sister-in-law, Christine Dillard Mullens of Martinsville, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
“Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face,
There to sing forever of His saving grace;
On the streets of glory let me lift my voice,
Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.” Oh, I Want to See Him | Rufus H. Cornelius

There will be a Floating Vistation on Sunday, January 17, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Wright Funeral Service Chapel.
The Graveside Service will be on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 1:00 PM, at Carver Memorial Gardens.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.