Mrs. Rebecca L. Dillingham

Rebecca Helene Lampley Dillingham, devoted Christian, loving mother, caring wife, adoring grandmother, adoring great grandmother, loyal friend, sister and aunt, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, June 10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Rebecca, 91, was affectionately known to her family and friends as “Mother,” “MeMom,” “Becker,” “Aunt Becker,” “Becca,” “Becky,” and “Mrs. D.” Rebecca was born on January 28, 1927 in Kingston Springs, Tennessee to Ernest L. and Hazel J. Lampley, the 3rd of 4 daughters. She attended William James High School where she was named Valedictorian of the Class of 1944. After graduation, Rebecca attended Nashville Business College and was later employed by the Nashville Trust Company. On June 20, 1948, Rebecca married her high school sweetheart, the late Joseph Doyle Dillingham, Sr. They were an inspirational example of a loving, serving marriage for 45 years, and proud and devoted parents to two daughters and one son. In 1959, the family moved from Nashville to McEwen, Tennessee where Rebecca’s husband, Doyle, became President of the Union Bank. While living in McEwen, Rebecca was a tireless community volunteer and church and civic leader. She was an active participant in the PTA organization, having served as President at both a local and state level. The Dillingham’s relocated to Waverly, TN in 1972. Rebecca was a member of Waverly First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She served as President of the Waverly Woman’s Club, and was instrumental in the implementation of their philanthropic service project where money was raised annually to provide shoes for underprivileged children who were being taught in the Humphreys County school system. A recreational golfer, with a very peculiar swing, Rebecca served in various leadership roles as a member of the Waverly Country Club and Waverly Ladies Golf Association. Additionally, Rebecca was an active member of the Waverly Home Demonstration Potpourri Club, as well as an avid supporter of many other community organizations. Rebecca will be remembered for her gracious and tender heart, her unwavering devotion to family and friends, and her infectious smile and unforgettable laugh. Rebecca’s spirit was contagious. She never met a stranger, and made everyone she met feel welcome, special and loved. She always thought of others first. She was unpretentious and non-judgmental in her beliefs. She was a quiet leader. Rebecca never wanted attention to be on her. Her 91 years of life were a shining example of faith, family, love, grit, resilience and hope. Rebecca considered her family as her greatest treasure and accomplishment. She has been a light in this world with her beauty and grace, both inside and out. Rebecca L. Dillingham embodied faith in action. She was a godly, self-less servant leader. She trusted God in all things, and praised Him even in the struggles she encountered in her final days. She thanked God continually for all the many blessings in her life. Rebecca was truly an unsung hero. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Rebecca is survived by her three children: Susan L. Dillingham, Franklin, TN; Dawn D. Dietrich (Norman), Nashville, TN; and, Joseph Doyle “Joe” Dillingham (Shannon), Nashville, TN; four grandchildren: John “Griff” Lucas (Katy), Atlanta, GA.; Hugh “Ross” Lucas (Natalie), Nashville, TN; Norman “Adam” Dietrich (Taylor Ann), Franklin, TN; and, Mollye Jane Dietrich, Nashville, TN; and, six great grandchildren: “Frank” Doyle Lucas, Rebecca Kathryn “Kate” Lucas, Theodore Henry “Teddy” Lucas, Hugh Ross “HR” Lucas, McKeel Medlock Lucas, and Jane Taylor Dietrich; and, one sister, Virginia Sue “Ginger” Harris of Kingston Springs, TN. Additional survivors include her very special nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Rebecca is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Doyle Dillingham Sr., her parents Ernest L. and Hazel J. Lampley, and two sisters: Marie L. Martin and Ernestine “Teenie” L. Hallman. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Kingston Springs United Methodist Church, 376 N. Main Street, Kingston Springs,TN. Funeral Service will be conducted on Monday, June 18, 2018 at Noon at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN, with The Reverend Dr. Davis Chappell, Senior Pastor of Brentwood United Methodist, and The Reverend Randall B. Martin, D.S. Scenic South District Holston Conference, officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 11 am – Noon in the Narthex of the Church. Interment will be in the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane; Nashville, TN, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2018. Pallbearers will be Norman Dietrich, Griff Lucas, Ross Lucas, Adam Dietrich, Bob Crouch, John Lucas, Roy Daniel and Billy Atchison. Honorary Pallbearers include: The “Fireplace Gang” at NHC Place at the Trace, Band of Angels Sitter Service, William James High School Class of 1944, Staff of NHC Place at the Trace, Dr. Kyle Stribling, Dr. Kent Shih, Dr. Linda Bonvissuto, Brentwood Dental Center Staff, Henry Martin, CPA, Ted Rice, Mika Jenkins, Michele Noga, Nancy Hudgins, Rusty Arnold, Bobby Austin, Charlotte Rushton and Kim Chisholm. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to one of the following: Kingston Springs United Methodist Church, 376 N. Main Street, Kingston Springs, TN. 37082; Waverly United Methodist Church, 115 West Main Street, Waverly, TN 37185; Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027; or, Designed to Flourish Ministries Inc., c/o Susan Dillingham, 427 Nichol Mill Lane, #234, Franklin, TN 37067.