Priscilla E. Dillow
July 1, 1943 ~ February 19, 2024
Priscilla E. Dillow, 80, Plainfield, died February 19, 2024. Ms. Dillow was born in Richlands, Virginia, but moved to Indianapolis with her family in 1951.
Love of her family and Ben Davis High School was first and foremost throughout her life. She also loved her Westside Coachman Group, Birthday Group, the Class of ’61, the Indy Friends Group, and ASA Softball teammates. Priscilla graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1961 and earned her BS and MA degrees from Ball State University and an Educational Specialist degree from Indiana University.
Priscilla was the Executive Director of the IIAAA – Indiana Athletic Directors Association from 2007-13 and the Indiana Golf Course Owners from 2003-07. Pris also served as a teacher, coach, Assistant Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. She retired in 2002 after 37 years in education. She coached the 1979 volleyball team to an IHSAA State Championship and coached four other teams in the Final 8. Ms. Dillow was the first female member of the IHSAA Board of Directors and a past president of the IIAAA AD Association and the Marion County Coaches of Girls Sports. Pris was recognized on numerous occasions at the local, state, and national levels for contributions to interscholastic athletics and contributions to girls and women in sport. Her most cherished professional honors included induction into the Ben Davis High School Wall of Fame in 2002 and the National Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 2011. She was also inducted in the halls of fame of the Indiana Volleyball Coaches and the ASA Softball Players.
Pris was an avid golfer, playing consistently at Eagle Creek and Oak Tree. She enjoyed socializing with her golfing pals, her Indiana Wanderer Retiree groups, and spending time at the residence in Florida.
Survivors include her daughter, Kerry K. Conway (Julie); grandchildren, Brandon and Jordan Craig; partner, Pat Shipley and her brother Ken; sisters, Dawn (Bruce) Morgan and Joceyln (John) Glass; brothers, Charlie “Sonny” (Betty) Dillow and Ron (Shaun) Dillow; brother-in-law, Warren Melendrez; best friend, Sue Benge; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Patsy Dillow; sister, Penny Melendrez.
A Celebration of Life remembering the life of Priscilla E. Dillow will take place in the gymnasium at Ben Davis High School on Sunday, April 14, 2024, 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Ben Davis High School Athletic Department are strongly encouraged. Envelopes will be available at the service. Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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R.I.P. my friend. Till we meef again🌈 You will be missed by so many people whose hearts you have touched💖
Pris will be missed by all the lives she touched! She loved Ben Davis High School and her Class of 1961, we loved her!!IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL🙏
My heart goes out to Pris’s family as well as anyone who knew her. She influenced so many people for good. She was such a kind and giving person. She had a big heart and shared her life with so many. She accomplished so much in her life yet was very humble. I respected her so much. Peace Pris. ❤️
Pris added so much warmth and friendship to our Crane Creek golf league in Florida. She was a terrific organizer and always had a smile and cheery word. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. She will be missed.
So many memories with Pris when I was a IHSAA VB referee! My first year I officiated a few of her games . . .I will never forget when she called out my name after my first game . . . I just knew I had not done something right! But with her kind soul and demeanor, she complimented me on my games. I returned for many years! Always had a smile on her face and gave unconditionally. You will be missed!
She was a first in many things. A first in my life to give me confidence in myself as a woman. Thank you Coach for changing my life trajectory in a positive way.
I don’t have one special memory of Pris. Every time that I was able to be around her, her family and friends was special. She was one of the strongest and kind person I have ever known. She will be missed but her memory will live on forever.
What a great lady…we met at Bridgeport Grade School…and had a blast..she was our fearless leader…we were always on the edge of mischief…but our teachers thought we were interesting and funny…Mr Belcher was our physical ed teacher
and we girls..led by Pris…fought for us to get time sharing the basketball court…with the boys..we was successful..
So her career fighting for girls sports started early…she always had a smile and lifted up others…she never talked about her accomplishments…and she had many…she was always funny… so glad she was my friend for 70 years…we met monthly for lunch…the class of 61’…she held us together…we will miss her greatly…what a fun great lady…❤️
You’ll be missed by so many. Rest in peace. Class of `61
I didn’t become acquainted with Pris until after we had retired. She became active in our local retired teachers’ group, and she was always ready to help with projects and planning. The thing I admired most about her was her positive and “go-to” personality. She was ready to jump in and help with bringing food to the picnics, planning for projects like an entry to the IRTA silent auction, and helping to decide what projects the group should sponsor. She will be truly missed.