Sharon Dillard-Ervin

Sharon Dillard-Ervin of Albany, GA, passed away April 12, 2025. A memorial service will be held April 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at Mathews Funeral Home. Mr. Ross Powell will officiate. The family will receive friends before the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

Sharon was born in Portsmouth, VA to the late Wesley and Helen LaRoza. Her father was a career Military Officer and they moved often but she spent her teen years in Corpus Christi, TX and attended The University of Houston. Sharon married and moved to Griffin, GA and then to Albany, GA in 1968. She was employed by American Fidelity Insurance Company as an Underwriter.

Sharon was a remarkable woman whose kindness and compassion touched the lives of many within the state of Georgia and beyond. Sharon was a member of the Albany Lions Club and enjoyed traveling to many states and countries with her husband Jim, Lions Past International President. Together seeing the tremendous humanitarian services being provided to those most in need. She loved her daughters and was proud of them and her grandchildren.

In her spare time, Sharon loved collecting things like books, picture's, antiques and jewelry. Her home always beautifully showcased her collections, many of which were obtained during her global travels with her husband Jim. She was an amazing cook and loved especially cooking big meals for her family during Easter and the holidays. One of Sharon’s biggest passions was animals. She owned many pets, cats and dogs throughout the years and found joy and comfort in caring for them. She donated to many local and national rescues as a way to give back to the animals she loves so much. Blessed with a green thumb, Sharon loved gardening and planting. She could often be found in her back yard, watering and planting a multitude of exotic plants and flowers. Sharon always found a way to create the beauty and color, both inside and outside her home, that she portrayed in her life.

Sharon was preceded in death by a son, George A. “Little George” Dillard, Jr. and a sister, Kathleen Wiedenbeck.

Survivors include her husband, James E. “Jim” Ervin of Albany, GA, her daughters, Jessica Dillard-Czentnar of Braselton, GA and Wendy Dillard Butler of Atlanta, GA and her grandchildren, Dylan Butler, Ella Butler, Jenna Dillard, Kaylee Czentnar, and Kendall Czentnar.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Sharon to The Albany Humane Society, 1705 W. Oakridge Dr., Albany, GA, 31707.