Carlethia "Princess" Andrietta Dillard (Age 71) of Suitland, Maryland.

Carlethia "Princess" Andrietta Yates was born on May 11, 1946 in Washington, DC., the first born child of Eunetha and Charlton Yates. From the very beginning, she lived her life with energy, purpose, and contagious joy. She was educated in the D.C. Public School system and spent some time at Federal City College. Her career spans several decades, first as a telephone operator for the then C & P Telephone Company, and then as an import Quota Specialist for U.S. Customs Services for 33 years.

Her greatest joy and passion was spending time with and caring for family and friends. She married at a young age and gave birth to her beloved daughter Andrietta "Niecy" Stafford who ultimately became her trusted friend and confidante. She later remarried Willie "Mickey D" Dillard and they enjoyed an active life for over 40 years.

She committed her life to Jesus in 1992, and was baptized on December 10 of that same year (her mom's birthday) at the Church of the Great Commission. Her faith grew steadily over the years and she often talked about her lengthy conversations with God. Through her quiet strength, she proved that trusting in Him allowed her to live a stress free life.

Princess' varied interests over the years resulted in a large circle of friends. Whether it was on the job, at a Washington Redskins party, pokeno and pinochle games, cruises, bus trips, hanging with the Sassy Seniors or one on one conversations, Princess gave her whole self and always left a remarkable impression. Her trademark lengthy colorful  nails also helped to make her unforgettable! Often times, no event would happen unless she planned it down to the last and final detail. If she heard about a person in need, she would quietly meet that need and extend grace to help people get back on their feet. She retired from the federal government in 2000 and from that point on, she lived in a whirlwind of faith, family and fun. The business she developed creating personalized and custom products, "Exclusively for You" was exactly how she made everyone feel; that what she was doing was just for you. Every day was a day to get things done, to handle business, or to purposefully give love and receive love.

On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, the Lord suddenly called Princess to sleep in Jesus. It was a jarring blow for her family and those who loved her, but all are consoled by the full and active life she lived, and the countless memories that can never be erased. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eunetha and Charlton Yates. She leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved husband, "Mickey D;" her beloved daughters, Andrietta "Niecy" Sowell, Robin Dillard, Debra Ward, and Nyla Dillard; her son, Keith Dillard; grandchildren, Christopher Sowell, Nekia Jones, Eric Ward, and Yvette Ward; her treasured siblings, Carlton (Deitra)Yates, Verna Yates, Deborah Adams, Kenneth (Gloria Renee) Yates, Robert "Bob" (Sherry) Yates, a sister-in-law, Annie Massenburg; several nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved, and her best friend forever (BFF) Pastor Debra Garner.Though she will be deeply missed on this side, we eagerly await the great reunion when the Lord Jesus returns. Selah.

Viewing 9am until time of service 11am, Monday, October 9th, Evangel Church, Bishop's Chapel, 13901 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Interment, 11am, Tuesday, October 17th, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.