Mrs. Dillard attended public elementary and high school in Bentonia, Mississippi. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from college, she began her career as a public elementary school teacher in Yazoo County and taught for more than 27 years. Many lives have been enriched because of her impact and influence. She will be remembered as a woman of conviction, integrity, and generosity.

Mrs. Leola Dillard lived a full and active life serving God and her fellowman. She believed that knowledge was power, and kindness was one of the purest traits to find its way into the human heart. One of her favorite missions was Make A Difference Day. Because of her love for people and her acts of kindness, she was recognized locally, statewide, and nationally, receiving many accolades and awards. She was instrumental in establishing a neighborhood playground after a child was hit by a car while playing in the street. That playground was later named in her honor, Leola Dillard Playground, on Ethel Street (Brickyard Hill) in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Grand Avenue in Yazoo City, Mississippi was also named in her honor, Leola Dillard Way.

Mrs. Dillard was the founder of the Yazoo City Community Civic Club, whose mission was to help children explore the world, earn scholarships, and fulfill their dreams and potentials.