Barbara Hilliard

Barbara Jean Hilliard was born November 19, 1936 to Juanita Emerson Gresham and James Orville Gresham. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother James Orville Gresham and beloved stepfather, Leonard Horton. She is survived by four children, Dana Hilliard of North Little Rock, AR, David Hilliard (Nancy) of Jacksonville, AR, Donna Villa (Vito) of Farmington, AR, Rachel Tharp (Neal), Houston, TX, and her brother, Thomas Horton of North Little Rock, AR, along with 6 grandchildren: John David Hilliard, Kyle Hilliard, Nathan Hilliard, Joel Villa, Jessica Billingsley, and Ben Villa; 7 great grandchildren: Olivia and Naomi Villa, Nocona King and Juniper King, Reed Billingsley, Aubry and Lilly Hilliard.

Barbara was baptized May 28, 1951 symbolizing her dedication to Jehovah. She was a member of the Jacksonville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She cherished her relationship with Jehovah, spending time in the ministry sharing the hope of God’s Kingdom with others. She was known to auxiliary pioneer many times over the years, and enjoyed congregational meetings at the Jacksonville Kingdom Hall. She was well known for her faith, kindness, and gentle nature.

She worked at the GNC store at McCain Mall, eventually becoming the store manager for many years. Even after years of retirement, people would recognize her and her unforgettable beautiful white hair, coming up to her to be reacquainted. She was always happy to spent time with each one.

Her children viewed her at the best mother ever! She loved each of her children, spent time with all of them, taught them the Bible, and nurtured them, not only as children, but adults. Barbara loved the outdoors and introduced camping to her children. She enjoyed camping with her friends and family right up until her death. She loved to hike the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Petit Jean Mountain of Arkansas. She was an avid biker, biking the River Trail even before it was completed. She biked the Big Dam Bridge 100’s 30-mile ride at least twice in her 70s.  She loved the beach and traveling, especially with Dana, her oldest daughter. Barbara loved to eat fresh seafood, especially fried shrimp.

Barbara fell asleep in death on June 29, 2019 following a brief but serious illness. She now rests in the safest place in the universe, Jehovah God’s memory. Her resurrection is anxiously anticipated by all, especially her family.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock on the 10th floor, and ICU South, and the Hospice Home Care in Little Rock for their wonderful care of our mother.

Celebration of Her Memory will be Thursday, July 4th, 12:00 noon at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jacksonville.  Full online obituary: www.smithsherwoodfuneralhome.com