At the last meeting of the Walthall County Historical Society in April, member Darryl Hote moved that the Society submit a proposal to the Town of Tylertown that the road running through Holmes Water Park be named Carolyn Dillon Way in honor of Carolyn Dillon, whom was tragically lost
in January of this year.

The former editor/publisher of The
Tylertown Times, Carolyn devoted her life to the betterment of her community not only through journalism but through her civic activities. She was active in the Walthall Chamber of Commerce for decades, promoting events that help define and make Walthall County recognizable
all over the state.

Carolyn was part of the leadership committee for the Walthall County Dairy Festival, now one of the longestrunning and free festivals in the state. She also was instrumental in the creation and promotion of Christmas in the Park, a 40-acre light display that draws tourists from throughout the region.

Given Carolyn’s devotion to the success of the Dairy Festival and Christmas in the Park, it is fitting that she be remembered at the site of these events which were so dear to her heart.

Tylertown’s Mayor Ed Hughes and the Town of Tylertown unanimously voted in favor of the sign honoring Carolyn, along with the blessings of the Walthall County Chamber of Commerce.

On Saturday, June 7, at the annual Dairy Festival in Holmes Water Park, Darryl Hote, the inspiration for this tribute to Carolyn, presented the street sign, Carolyn Dillon Way, to her daughter, Dr. Cassie Burns. Also on stage were Mayor Ed Hughes, Wes Dillon (Carolyn’s nephew), Bryce Dillon (Carolyn’s greatnephew), and Historical Society president, Cathy Harvey. Present in the crowd were Carolyn’s son Dudley and daughter- in-law, Jackie Dillon and Carolyn’s sister Barbara Faircloth.

Following the presentation of the sign, Cathy Harvey gave to Dr. Burns another tribute to her mother, The Carolyn Candle. The gardeniascented candle (according to niece Madison Martin, gardenia was Carolyn’s favorite scent) was created at the request of the Historical Society by Kim Allen of Magnolia House in Tylertown.

The candle is contained in a forestgreen embossed glass jar capped by a wooden lid with a label picturing a
white flower above the name “Carolyn.” The flower-bordered insert lists the ingredients unique to The Carolyn Candle and describes the gardenia as “an iconic Southern flower, [symbolizing] the Southern woman, feminine, gracious, nurturing yet strong, decisive, and resilient,” a tribute to the character of Carolyn Dillon. (The Carolyn Candle is available for purchase at Magnolia House, and refills are free.)

Bright and early Monday morning, June 8, First District Supervisor Roger Ginn directed crew members Youngblood and Hamilton Sutton to erect the street sign, Carolyn Dillon Way, at the entrance to Holmes Park. On hand was Darryl Hote, who not only conceived of this tribute to Carolyn, procured the sign and, with the help of Supervisor Ginn, made sure that it was installed straightaway.