Ophelia Mae Aguillard Brister Dill's Obituary
Ophelia Aguillard Brister Dill, known to friends and family as Fi or Nana, passed
away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 26, 2018, at the age of 97. She was
born on September 20, 1920 in Eunice, Louisiana. She was the daughter of the late Anthony Edward and Ola Taylor Aguillard. Fi also had one beloved brother, Nolan Aguillard, deceased, who was the father of Steve, Neal, and Gary.
She was married to Marvin Curtis Brister, deceased, and Richard E. Dill, deceased.
Fi is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Pankey of Mandeville and Madeline and her husband Bobby England of Houston. She is also survived by her stepchildren Debbie and her husband Chuck Tallant, Brad and his wife Carolyn Dill, and Ashley and her husband Jason Brown. Fi will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Matt and wife Doretta, Stacy and husband Doug, Mark and Ron and wife Brittany and step-grandchildren, Vince and wife Brianne, Beth and wife Kayla, Jason and wife Crystal, Taylor and husband Lance, Jordan, Quaid, Jason Jr, Hudson, and Mitchell as well as her great grandchildren, Kali, Madison, Riley, Grace, Grayson, Sophia, Austin, Myka, Abby, LeAnna, Brent, Gunner, Griffin, and Graham.
Ophelia received her B.S. degree from Louisiana College in 1940 and M.S. from Colorado State in 1951, and has 30 hours plus toward her doctorate. She began her teaching career in Jennings, Louisiana in 1940, and served for 24 years as chairman of the Bolton High School Physical Education Department.
The following represents an excerpt from the L.A.H.P.E.R Journal: “Fi Brister-that is a name you hear in short order upon moving to Louisiana and a name you’ve heard immeasurable times if you’ve been here from the start. The Valedictorian of the Eunice High School Class of 1937, a dynamic woman, a true professional, a dedicated teacher and friend to students and teachers has never slowed down. It is to this woman we take pride in presenting the 1973 L.A.H.P.E.R Honor Award.”
She is to be commended for her passion and devotion to her profession: president and Vice president of Louisiana Association of Health Physical Education Recreation, taught Adult Education Night Program, coordinated city recreational programs in Alexandria, Louisiana, organized Red Cross swimming class, directed summer camps for under-privileged children, 1972 Olympic committee member, initiated the Sweet Sixteen State Basketball Tournament, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and active member of Louisiana Retired Teachers as well as an active member of church, civic and garden club activities. Her most beloved memory is winning the high school girls state basketball championship in 1951.
After retiring in 1978, she traveled all over the world for the next 32 years. If she did not have a trip on the docket, something was wrong. She believed that the secret to staying young is to be involved, contribute to your church, your community, your family and your friends. In her later years, she spent her winters on Toledo Bend Lake and her summers in Lake City, Colorado enjoying her hobbies: fishing, hunting, exploring the back roads, playing bridge, and having grandchildren and great grandchildren time. For the last 5 years Fi resided at The Trace and Beau Provence; many thanks to the staff for their concern and love as well as the services provided by Hospice Passages.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana 70433, Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 3pm with visitation from 2pm until service time. In lieu of flowers, acknowledgements may be sent to your favorite charity.
A reception following the service will be at the home of Phyllis Pankey, 1155 Springwater Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana. Please come and celebrate the life of Fi Dill. It is so good; C’est si bon.
Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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