Jacqueline Diane Nobles Dillon, a virtuous woman, began her life journey on January 5, 1948 in McComb, MS. Beautiful, compassionate, and spiritual is who she was. Fearless was how she lived. Unconditional was how she loved.

She was the daughter of the late Ernest “Leroy” Nobles and the late Dorothy Quinn Nobles of McComb, MS, who instilled the family and Christian values that she embodied and demonstrated in her daily walk as a wife, mother, educator and servant leader.

Jacqueline was a graduate of the Higgins High School class of 1966 and attained a Bachelor’s (1970) and Master’s (1977) Degree in Special Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a dedicated teacher in the McComb School District who retired twice, once in 1996 and again in 2003.

She remained busy throughout her retirement, becoming Director of D & D Learning Center where she tutored (assessed, remediated, and diagnosed) children between 5 and 15 years of age. In 2003, she started her own non-profit organization called the O.N.A. Foundation (Operation Noah’s Ark). More than 15 years after its founding, O.N.A. developed a new identity and became Southwest Mississippi Multiplex for Early Innovative Intervention Studies (SMMEIIS). In 1990, Mrs. Jackie formed the PIZZAZZ Dance Troupe, a non-competitive, performance-based dance education and mentoring program for girls of all ages.

Jacqueline was a two-time recipient of The Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America Award. She was also Teacher of the Year for the McComb School District eight times and was once Substance Abuse Teacher of the Year. Jacqueline was honored by the Mississippi Association for Children with Learning Disabilities for her invaluable service and cooperation. She also received the Outstanding Woman in the Community Award by the McComb Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club. Most recently, she served as a director on the board of the St. Luke Foundation in McComb, MS.

As an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, she was a devoted chairperson of the Deaconess Ministry and faithfully served in the Hospitality Ministry. Deaconess Dillon was also an alumna of the Harper Baptist Seminary in Magnolia, MS.

Affectionately known as “Nana”, it was her heart’s desire to serve the Lord by showing compassion and loving people wholeheartedly. “No fighting, just loving” was the rule in her home, her classroom, and her dance studio, and she made sure that everyone remembered it and recited it.

In January 2020, Jacqueline was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She fought her battle fearlessly and in January 2021 she was declared cancer free. She was and will always be a breast cancer survivor. On March 25, 2021, Jacqueline peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home.

She leaves to cherish her memories, a loving husband Clintes R. Dillon of McComb, MS. Three daughters: Desiree J. Dillon of Dallas, TX; Elizabeth D. Thompson (Jason) of Byram, MS; and Clinnesha D. Sibley (Keith) of McComb, MS; Two brothers: Michael C. Nobles (Joyce) of McComb, MS, and Rickie L. Nobles (Penny) of Katy, TX; four sisters: Joyce N. McGee of Summit, MS, Stephanie N. Robinson (late Edward Sr.) of McComb, MS, Gwendolyn N. Williams (Kelvin) of McComb, MS, and Dionne V. Nobles of Houston, TX; a brother-in-law: Quincy R. Dillon (Rebia) of Jackson, MS; and one sister-in-law: Dian D. Antoine of Virginia Beach, VA; seven grandchildren: Madison and Morgan Dillon of Dallas, TX; Kyndall and Jason Cameron Thompson of Byram, MS; and Kaylee, Karlee, and Keith Sibley, Jr. of McComb, MS.; two special brothers: Dennis Nobles and Wilbert Weathersby both of McComb, MS; six aunts: Bertha Ashely of Summit, MS, Mary Nell Nobles of McComb, MS , Violine Craft of Magnolia, MS, Mary Owens of McComb, MS, Dorothy Vernon of Chicago, IL and Flora Parker of Sacramento, CA; two uncles: Johnny Nobles, of Summit, MS and R.T. Dillon of Sacramento, CA; her church family whom she dearly loved, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was also a spiritual mother to Kiesha A. Johnson (Damon) of Wylie, TX and Robert Moman (Ashley) of Mobile, AL.

southwest mississippi multiplex

For Early Innovative Intervention Studies

EMERGE Theatre Group