Marion Zelvina Dillard Simon

Marion Zelvina Dillard Simon, affectionately known as Zel, peacefully departed this life on November 2, 2024, at ChristianaCare. Born on July 2, 1957, to the late Wharton Hawthorne Dillard and Indie Mae Jones Dillard, Marion began her journey on the revered Dillard Family Farm in Freeman, VA. Marion was later baptized at Pleasant Grove Church of Christ Disciples in Freeman, VA. In 1958, Marion and her family relocated to New Castle, Delaware. She graduated from De La Warr High School in 1975, and later studied nursing at Delaware State University. On December 4, 1976, she married Kenneth Eugene Simon, beginning a union of love and laughter that would span nearly five decades. Their union was blessed with one child Stacey Elaine Simon. Marion had a successful career in banking as a Credit Collections Representative, dedicating over 30 years to American Express, Citibank, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Bank of America. Her compassion and dedication also extended into her community, where she frequently volunteered with the Salvation Army in Newark, DE, ringing the bell for donations with her characteristic warmth and kindness. Marion’s vibrant personality was demonstrated through her interests—tennis, bowling, gardening, hosting gatherings, music and travel. A gifted gardener, she often cultivated plants from clippings gifted by loved ones. She also found joy attending R&B and jazz concerts. Her favorite artist was Al Jarreau. Family was at the heart of Marion’s life. She valued time with her husband, daughter, grandson, and son-in-law, creating memories through family trips and shared experiences at concerts. She treasured summers on the Dillard Family Farm and was a steadfast presence at family reunions, weddings, and graduations. Marion was beloved by friends, neighbors, and even the pets in her community, whom she delighted with treats and toys. Marion is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Patricia Elaine Dillard; her mother-in-law, Dorothy M. Hughey Simon; her father-in-law, Roosevelt Simon, Jr.; brother-in-law, Christopher Simon; her grandparents, Dwight Lyman Jones, Virginia Bell Putney Jones, James Rufus Dillard, and Marie Ellen Green Dillard; her aunts, Alice Jones Callis, Josephine Jones Valentine, Ora Jones Hutchinson, and Lucy Wyche Dillard; her uncle, James Anderson Dillard and her cousin Ronald Lenell Dillard. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 47 years, Kenneth Eugene Simon; her beloved daughter, Stacey Elaine Simon Robinson (Zane) of Dallas, GA; her cherished sister, Brenda Clarice Dillard of Milwaukee, WI; and her grandson, Zane Lamond Robinson, Jr., who brought her immense pride and joy. Marion is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Roosevelt Simon, III of Wilmington, DE, Russell Simon of Wilmington, DE, and Anthony Simon (Angela) of Elkton, MD; sister-in-law, Dorothy Simon White (Joseph) of New Castle, DE; nieces and nephews, Devon Purnell Norwood (LaRae) of Milwaukee, WI, Faith Renee Purnell (Keets) of Portland, OR, Brandon Hawthorne Purnell of San Francisco, CA, Daryl White (Vanessa) of Boise, ID, Dante White of New Castle, DE, Stephan Simon of Wayne, PA and Ryan Simon of Wilmington, DE; her uncles, Robert Cleo Dillard of Greensboro, NC, Thomas Lee Dillard (Brenda) of Sacramento, CA, Leon Nathaniel Dillard of Dumfries, VA, and Marvin Clinton Dillard (Robin) of Englewood, NJ; and aunts, Marion Verniece Dillard Spraggins (Maurice) of Arlington, VA, Audrey Taylor Dillard of Wilmington, DE, and Virginia Lee Jones of Freeman, VA . As the eldest of many cousins, she leaves a legacy of family unity and love with Steven Vincent Dillard (Shenelle) of Lawrenceville, GA, Alan Kent Dillard (Kathy) of Wilmington, DE, Robert Leo Dillard of Baltimore, MD, Rita Lynette McCrae (Lawrence) of New Castle, DE, Reginald Laron Dillard of Greensboro, NC, Keith Antonio Spraggins of Rockville, MD, Craig Marcel Spraggins (Selam) of Ashburn, VA, Dion LaMonte Dillard (Lisa) of Leesburg, VA, Kedren Helen Dillard of Washington DC, Jason Thomas Dillard of Sacramento, CA, Brian Philip Dillard (Jennifer) of Forest Hill, MD, Noel Monique Dillard of Dumfries, VA, Marie Sheradon Dillard of Englewood, NJ, Peggy Lee and Helen Elizabeth Lee both of Freeman, VA, Curtis Thomas Green of Penns Grove, NJ, Ernest A. Green of Newark, DE and many other cousins and extended family. Marion’s life was a beautiful testament to love, dedication, and kindness. Her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE, 19702. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 PM. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Marion Zelvina Dillard Simon

July 2, 1957 - November 2, 2024

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