Sheremy Dillard: Friends, former colleagues remember Wake County coach for her positive spirit
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Tributes continued Saturday for Sheremy Dillard, a high school women's basketball coach and recovery teacher who was found stabbed to death in her Raleigh home Thursday.
Dillard worked as a basketball coach and recovery teacher at Felton Grove High School in Apex. Before that, she was a longtime women's basketball coach and teacher at Carrboro High School.
Police have charged Dillard's boyfriend, Rickey Harper, with first-degree murder. Investigators said Harper fled after the killing and was later located outside Philadelphia on Friday with the help of Flock cameras.
Friends and former colleagues are remembering Dillard for her positive spirit and support of those around her.
"I feel numb. I feel very numb. It's going to be very, very difficult these next coming days," said Ticca Harris.
Dillard and Harris were members of the Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Incorporated. Harris said she learned of Dillard's death through a text message.
"I had just woken up. I actually read a text message. And when I say literally, the blood felt like it drained out of my body, it felt like everything just stopped because I just couldn't believe what I was looking at," Harris said.
Known for her infectious smile and strong but comforting coaching style, Dillard made a lasting impact on the people in her life, Harris said.
"She was also invested in my kids, my kids playing sports. And so she was always one of their biggest cheerleaders and not only that, she was one of my biggest cheerleaders," Harris said.
Her death has prompted renewed attention to the effects of domestic violence. Kimberly Carver, CEO and founder of The Purple Trail Foundation, said community members should speak up when they recognize warning signs.
"We have to be their voice. We have to say, 'Hey, you see something, you say something. You recognize the signs and the symptoms, you recognize the red flags, you spread the word, you speak out,'" Carver said.
Carver said intervention from trusted professionals can be critical.
"Go to a person that you know that can make a difference professionally and respectfully without overstepping in this person's life and making something worse, but to save their life," she said.
As family members, friends and former players prepare to lay Dillard to rest, Harris said those who knew her best hope her legacy will endure.
"She spread joy. I loved her just like everybody else did. And I would just say continue doing what she's doing to the best of your ability, because that's what she would always want," Harris said.
Anyone experiencing or concerned about a potential domestic violence situation can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
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