Strawberries, Cotton & Sugarcane

Verdie Powell Dillon 1885-1980 Verdie Powell Dillon, a woman of purpose and great strength, was affectionately known to our family as "Aunt T". She was by far a great influence on my life and the lives of many people in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. As many of you know O.W. Dillon was a pioneer in th e field education in the State of Louisiana. He led the Tangipahoa Parish Training school for many years. The school later became O.W Dillon High School and O.W. Dillon Elementary. Well, Verdie Powell Dillon was his better half. Born to Hilery and Laura Powell, October, 15, 1885 in Mound Bayou, Miss. she was proud of her upbringing and the independence and ingenuity of blacks in Mound Bayou during her childhood. She married Mr. Oliver Wendell Dillon. Together they built a legacy of public service in education in Louisiana and surrounding areas. Aunt T was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Magnolia, Mississippi where she was active in the choir,...