WALHALLA — School District of Oconee County officials and colleagues that knew and loved Myra Dillard said Monday that she exemplified all of the characteristics one could want in a professional and, most importantly, an individual.

Dillard, who retired in November after 30 years in education — 15 spent as principal of the Tamassee-Salem Elementary School — lost her eight-year battle with cancer last Friday. The Oconee County native began her teaching career in 1977 at Oakway Primary School and moved on to Oakway Elementary, Oakway Middle, Seneca Middle and, finally, Tamassee-Salem Elementary.

“When I think of Myra Dillard, two things come to mind — courage and optimism,” said Oconee County District Superintendent Mike Lucas Monday afternoon. “She was truly a courageous leader, and she was always optimistic in her outlook in her personal and professional life. She touched so many in her career as an educator.”

Kay Powell, who serves as Director of Public Information for the school district, said she and Dillard were friends since grade school.

“She walked the walk and talked the talk,” Powell said. “She was an inspiration to all who knew her and loved her. I feel privileged to have been counted in that circle.”

During an interview conducted in November, Dillard said that, with the exception of first- and third-grades, she taught every grade from kindergarten through eighth-grade. Dillard said she most enjoyed teaching middle school students.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with children,” Dillard said at the time. “I’m the oldest of five, so that came naturally. My grandmother was a teacher and that probably inspired me more than anything.”

Dillard also said she learned to work with parents and the district office after moving into the administrator role. School board member Denise McCormick said Dillard served both roles well.

“Myra cared deeply for the children at the schools she was associated with,” McCormick said. “She provided great leadership for her staff and worked many days when she didn’t feel her best. She was a great influence on many lives.”

Tamassee-Salem Middle and High School Principal Steve Moore enjoyed a close professional relationship with Dillard, describing her as one who reached out to him when he first assumed his current position.

“When I became principal, Myra took time to share with me her thoughts of the future and how we together could make an impact on the students and community,” Moore said. “Myra took the time to always call and encourage me to continue what I was doing, even during rough times. She told me she believed in what I was doing and that it was showing and being talked about in the community — both here and in my home community. She said that I had and was making a difference.”

Moore said Dillard not only was an educator “dedicated to the success of all of her students” and one who “took the time to know each of her students in more than name only,” but was one who emphasized the need for him to first take time for his family.

“She encouraged me to not let my kids grow up without having me be an important part of their lives even though my job would demand much,” Moore said. “What a testimony from a lady who was continuing to encourage me when she herself was experiencing tremendous health concerns.”

Funeral services were conducted Sunday for Dillard, who is survived by two daughters, her parents, three brothers and a sister. Dillard’s husband, Theron “Woody” Woodruff Dillard predeceased her.