Dorothy Dillard Burns

Dorothy Dillard Burns, age 84, died peacefully on August 9, 2018 at Forest at Duke in Durham. Dottie was born oneebruary 20, 1934 to Stark Spotswood and Alice Walker Dillard. She was one of 3 children and is survived by her adopted brother David Paige Dillard. Dottie spent her childhood years in Greensboro, where in 1926 her father founded Dillard Paper Company. She loved living oneer parents??? farm and was an avid equestrian. Later, she attended Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington, D.C. On April 19, 1958 she married the love of her life, William L. Burns, Jr. They were married for 53 years until his death in 2011. Dottie loved her family, her church, her friends, her dogs, and horses. She distinguished herself by her green thumb and her love of animals. She quipped that she could throw a stick in the ground and roses would grow. She co-founded the Durham Animal Protection Society, was a longtime member of The Junior League of Durham and served as a trustee for the North Carolina State Veterinary School. She was as a Proverbs 31 wife, supporting her husband who was President and CEO of Central Carolina Bank. Always a true lady who was fun loving and kind to everyone. She was adored by her husband and family. She is survived by her sons, William L. Burns III (Karen), Charlton S. Burns (Peg) and Joseph E. Burns (Molly), 10 grandchildren, William, IV (Kate), Jackson, Sally, Charlton Jr, Kennon, Zachary (Rebecca), Aneew (Allison), Jake, Beau, Maggie and 2 great grandchildren Dorothy Dillard Burns and William Loomis Burns V. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 17, 2017 at St. Stephen???s Episcopal Church in Durham. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution canee made ineer nee to: The Forest at Duke, 2701 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705.