Lauretta Bernice Dillard Snead, affectionately known as “Bern”, transitioned peacefully from this life in her home on May 2 , 2026, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born August 17, 1957 to the late Milton Dillard and Laura Anderson Dillard, she was the oldest of their three children.

She was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School and also received her associate’s degree from Central Virginia Community College. She last worked at the Department of Social Services in 2008 until she had an urgent medical condition and was forced to retire early.

She is preceded in death by her late husband, Ray Snead.

She is survived by her daughter Jacquetta Dillard of the residence in Lynchburg, VA. In addition to her daughter, she is also survived by her brother Milton Dillard Jr. (Donna) of Accokeek, Maryland, her sister Lisa Dillard of Lynchburg, VA, three nephews, Milton A. Dillard , Quincy Dillard, and Marcus Dillard (Charlyse), all of Accokeek, Maryland. Two aunts Penny Young and Jackie Goins, both of Lynchburg, VA. Also, other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family to mourn her loss. Her devoted friends, Ann Skinner of Charlotte, North Carolina and Dietrich “Dee” Lawhorne of Lynchburg, VA. Her devoted friends and neighbors, Cameron and Antoinette “Toni” Garvin of Lynchburg, VA.

Bernice loved sitting on her porch, feeding the birds, playing games on her phone, interacting with people walking by in the neighborhood and listening to her gospel and old school music. She would often say while listening to her old school music, “this was good music back then”. One of her most repeated phrases was, “Child, leave me alone”. She also enjoyed shopping, planting flowers, and enjoying conversations on her porch with friends and family that would come by. She enjoyed giving the neighborhood kids snacks and drinks just to see the smiles on their faces. Many times, she lent helping hands to friends and family in need. She fought a hard fight against cancer and kept a positive upbeat spirit through the process. Her faith in God and inspiration through her gospel music gave her the strength to keep fighting. Though she will be missed, memories of better times are in the hearts of those that knew her.

The family would like to thank Centra Hospice Care for their support during the final days of her life and Tharp Funeral Home for their excellent service.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg Chapel at 11:00AM. Mrs. Snead will lie in repose for viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is serving the family.