Dillwyn Thomas Person

On Sunday, August 3, 1958, Dillwyn Thomas Person began his earthly journey as the fourth born child to Thomas and Otelia Person. On Wednesday, February 17, 2021, Dillwyn bid this world farewell and entered into eternal rest.

Dillwyn grew up in the old fairground area of Emporia along with his siblings and a neighborhood full of children. Although he spent many years away from his neighborhood home, he spent the last years of his life in the very same neighborhood where he lived during the early years of his life.

Dillwyn received his formal education in the Greensville County School System. He began his educational journey at Emporia Elementary School as one of 35 African American students who participated in the Freedom of Choice plan designed to integrate the local school system. He graduated from high school in 1976. During his school years he excelled both academically and socially and forged lifelong friendships.

After graduation he entered the United States Army where he served two years. After his discharge, he attended the Ohio School of Technology and Norfolk State University. He then enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years in the Navy, and after training as a medic with the United States Navy, served as a medic on a tender ship.

He learned masonry from his father, Thomas Person, and worked both with his father and his uncle, Alvin Person in the trade. Dillwyn held various other jobs throughout his life and his last employment was with Knox High Mortuary.

Dillwyn married his friend, Denise Jackson on November 4, 2006. They spent 15 years of friendship together, laughing and loving life together.

Dillwyn was reared in the Christian faith and joined the St. Paul Church of God in Christ. He enjoyed singing, and could often be heard singing the old songs and hymns of the church as he rejoiced in God’s goodness. He was well versed in the Scriptures and often quoted them to friends and family.

Dillwyn, also known as Skeet to his family and friends, was a kind-hearted, loving, smart and caring man. He loved to laugh and never met a stranger. He had a unique way of persuading his wife and sisters to grant him many of his wishes and desires. He was an unashamedly avid New Orleans Saints fan and made sure he was always in the audience when the team played. To his family, he is Still Dil.

Dillwyn will be missed and treasured in the memories of his devoted wife, Denise Jackson Person; one brother, Clinton M. Person; three sisters, Janet P. Roberts (Al), Lyndia P. Ramsey (Gurnery) and Mary Person; one aunt, Ida P. Person; one uncle, Alvin B. Person; four nephews, Ross Roberts (Cassandra), Scott Roberts (Jennifer), Monte Person and Jon Eric Parker II; three nieces, Lauren Haire (Bryan), Alexandra Parker and Eurydice Ramsey; three great-nieces, Kayla Person, Nia Roberts and Brooklyn Haire; one great nephew, Marquelle Person; his special mother-in-law, Shirley Jackson, aka Mama J; sister-in-law, Sandra Jackson Parker (Jon); three aunts-in-law, Doris Johnson, Barbara Faines and Lucille Knight, two uncles-in-law, Archer Knight, Jr., and Jerry Knight (Gwen); two special cousins, Reginald Person and Lyle Hatcher and a host of cousins and friends. Three of his very special cousins, Victor Batts, Roderick Wood and Reggie Johnson, THE LOVE OF OUR FAMILY Jr. preceded him in death.

 Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Person's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. Dillwyn Thomas Person.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dillwyn Thomas Person, please visit our floral store.