"Sheremy was a daughter of this community," said her aunt, Wilma Dillard.
Wilma Dillard said she is leaning on her faith as she copes with the loss of her 57-year-old niece.
"God will get the glory on this, and that's my take on things," she said.
The two last spoke the Monday before Sheremy Dillard's death. Family members now cherish what would become their final photo together, taken during a birthday celebration in June.
"She came up in a time when the community helped raise her, helped raise us all," Wilma Dillard said. "And I know the community is hurting."
Dillard grew up in Durham's Forestview Heights neighborhood as the only daughter among three siblings and was a proud member of both the Alston and Dillard families.
Her family's legacy in Durham spans generations. Her grandfather, Samuel Dillard, served the community for decades along Fayetteville Street. He founded Dillard's Grocery Store in the historic Hayti district, which later became Dillard's Bar-B-Q.
"She was a Dillard, and in Durham, if you're a Dillard, everybody knows you," said former Hillside High School basketball coach Tony Ford. "That's because it's about the community, and the Dillards are about the community."
Many remember Dillard for her impact on young people through sports. A former Hillside High School basketball player, she later became a coach and mentor, helping guide generations of young athletes.
"They need more people like Sheremy working, not just coaching in high school, but working with kids," said former coach Frank Davis.
Dillard was also a graduate of North Carolina Central University.
Childhood friend Lori Blake-Reid described her as an old soul whose passion for coaching began at an early age.
As family and friends mourn her loss, they are preparing to say goodbye. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.
"We will miss her," Blake-Reid said. "We will continue to mourn for the Dillard family and ourselves."
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