Virginia S. Dillon

Virginia Sutton Dillon, of Cleveland, TN passed away March 3, 2025 after being surrounded by family and friends. Virginia was born June 10, 1938 to parents Harry and Beulah Sutton in Woodbine, KY. She was a graduate of Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy and Carson Newman College and later received a Masters from Tennessee Tech University. She spent over 30 years teaching in Kentucky and Tennessee. While teaching music at Pickett County High School in Byrdstown, Tennessee she directed the musical group “Sing Out” which performed on the television set of Hee-Haw. This was one of her proudest moments. After moving to Bradley County in 1972, she continued her career as a teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary and Prospect Elementary. After retiring, Virginia enjoyed traveling, camping and spending her winter months as a “snow bird” in Florida where she enjoyed swimming and line dancing. Virginia was a devout Christian and long time member of Calhoun Baptist Church. 

She loved traveling and camping, having visited all fifty states and many foreign countries including three trips to Jerusalem. She was an avid reader, reading multiple books weekly, Virginia was an avid Kentucky basketball fan and huge Atlanta Braves supporter. Watching basketball, baseball, and football were her favorite things to do while at home. She travelled across the country supporting grandchildren playing sports. 

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Dillon, and her sister Della Harrison. Survivors include her daughter Regina Lewis (Rusty) and Harry Dillon (Connie) of Cleveland, sister Janie (Cookie) Hines and Calvin of Maryville, grandchildren Jason Hill, Nicole and Todd Gober, Kellen Pickel, Cal Pickel, Amanda and Mike Hodge of Cleveland and Jackie (Pickel) Davis and Colt of Knoxville. Great grandchildren Traegan and Camden Gober, Abby and Isabella Hill, Trever Hodge all of Cleveland and Nora, Lydia and Paul Davis of Knoxville. She leaves behind many special friends, nieces and nephews (too many to mention by name).

Virginia was loved by everyone who knew her. A close friend described her “as a person that made her life out of everyone else’s story line.” She was a friend to all and will be missed by everyone who knew her.