Shirley Lee Crouch Dillard Habel

Shirley Lee Crouch Dillard Habel, age 97, of The Crossings/roads at Bon Air in Richmond, VA went to be with her Lord on October 9, 2023. She was born May 10, 1926 in Huddleston, VA a daughter of the late Okie Davis Crouch and Emma Frances Swain Crouch (both of whom died in her very early childhood). She was raised by relatives and later moved to Altavista, where she met and married Horace Alfred Dillard. They were married for 14 memorable years, when he died suddenly at age 42. After raising her son Dunn, until his college years, mutual friends introduced Shirley to Nathanael (Nick) Habel who had recently lost his wife, and they were married for 42 wonderful years. She often remarked that she was blessed to have shared the love of these two special men. She then graciously moved to Richmond 9 years ago to be closer to her Family. Shirley was a fiercely independent woman, culled from a hardscrabble upbringing, yet loved life and never met a stranger. She aided her first husband in his family business and also worked at The Lane Furniture Company in Altavista for 26 years. She married Nick in 1971 and enthusiastically embraced her new chapter in life as mother to his two adult children and alongside him as the active wife of an Elementary School Principal and Baptist Minister in Lynchburg. Before moving to Lynchburg, she was a member of Lane Memorial United Methodist Church. She was a longtime, involved, member of Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church. And later a member of Bon Air United Methodist Church in Richmond. She was devoted to her family, her church and unwavering faith in her Lord; maintaining an impeccable and welcoming home to all, and entertaining - with an uncanny ability to whip up large, delicious meals on a moment's notice. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by one son, A. Dunn Dillard and his wife, Carolyn "Carrie", of North Chesterfield; one stepson, Glenn M. Habel and his wife, Mary of Richmond; one stepdaughter, Julia H. Thompson and her husband, David of Arlington; four grandchildren, Meredith Dillard Sheakh (Basit); H. Andrew Dillard (Mary Catherine); A. Nathanael Habel (Amanda), and Rachel Thompson Darg (Daniel); six great-grandchildren, Juniper Habel, Serena Sheakh, Jesse Darg, Marilyn Habel, Zara Sheakh and Luke Darg, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Joyce Earlene Crouch Bigelow, Rebecca Allen Crouch Cecil, and Sylvia Lucille Crouch Doss; and two brothers, Roy Dempsey Crouch and Okie Davis Crouch, Jr. The family wishes to thank the caring Staff and Aides at The Crossroads who made her feel at home every day. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Green Hill Cemetery, Altavista by the Rev. Mike Mayton. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m. at Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service, Altavista. A Memorial Service will be held in Richmond at a later date.

Shirley Lee Crouch Dillard Habel

May 10, 1926 - October 9, 2023