Aileen Dunbar Colquitt

On a beautiful Saturday in April of 1933, with peach trees in full bloom, Aileen Stephens Dunbar was born to parents, R. E. Dunbar, Jr. and Mary Ezell Dunbar of Byron, Georgia.   Aileen loved and honored her parents, and her days upon Earth were long – 33,332 to be exact.  She passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of her Savior on July 17, 2024, with her family at her side.

Aileen graduated from Byron High School and attended college in Americus, Georgia.  While there, our reigning Miss GA Southwestern College was introduced to Byron High School’s newest basketball coach, Tom Colquitt of Macon.  They were joined in marriage in 1953 at Byron Methodist Church, where Aileen had worshiped and served faithfully since her birth.

Tom and Aileen made their home in Dublin, Georgia, and were blessed with the birth of two loving daughters, Donna and Julie. Aileen was a devoted wife, Mama, and Mem whose boundless love and dedication were the cornerstones of her life.  Aileen and Tom were faithful members of Pine Forest Methodist Church. 

Aileen was an avid gardener and had many other interests – basketball in high school, genealogy, and tennis to name a few.  The love and loyalty she showed her family year after year traveling from Dublin to every family event imaginable -- celebrating birthdays, graduations, and weddings for siblings, nieces, nephews, and even great-nieces and nephews will never be forgotten.   Each summer, these same young admirers anxiously anticipated a trip to Dublin when “Aunt Aileen” opened the doors to their home (Camp Colquitt) for each niece/nephew to attend a one or two-week session, which might include an occasional haircut or Toni permanent. Cousin memories made at 306 Westview Drive in the 1960s and 70s will be forever cherished.

In addition to her parents, Aileen was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Colquitt; daughter, Donna Colquitt Thomas; father-in-law, W. T. Colquitt; mother-in-law, Lillian Colquitt;  brother, Ed Dunbar; and several brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, a great-niece, and a nephew.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her daughter, Julie Ballard (Pat) of Dublin; grandson, Bill Ballard (Catie) of St. Simons; grandson, Stephen Ballard (Lauren) of Powder Springs; great-granddaughter, Willow Cate Ballard; great-grandson, Mason Ballard; sisters Sue Kinsaul and Elizabeth Holleman; sister-in-law, Barbara Dunbar; and many nieces and nephews.

Aileen Dunbar Colquitt was a rose blooming in our garden, whose beauty touched all of us.  Her gentle soul, great faith, and patience calmed and inspired us.  We will remember her best by carrying on those traits which add so much character to any family, to our understanding of the nearness of angels, and of how we can “Do goodness, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”

The family also wants to extend their deepest gratitude for the love and care given to Mrs. Colquitt by the staff at James Place and Georgia Hospice Care.

The family will receive friends at Pat and Julie’s home at 2307 Scott Drive in Dublin, Georgia. At Aileen’s request, a graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20th, at Dublin Memorial Gardens at 2986 U.S. 80.  Rev. Brett Maddocks and Dr. Joel Dent will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Aileen’s memory to Pine Forest Methodist Church, 400 Woods Avenue, Dublin, GA  31021, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization she held close to her heart, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org.

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