Jo Ann Wilkerson Hilliard

November 16, 1934 - May 10, 2020

Jo Ann (Wilkerson) Hilliard, 85 years old, left this earth to go to her heavenly home on May 10, 2020. She passed away peacefully with family by her side at Grayson Place Assisted Living where she lived for the past 4 years in Denison. Jo Ann was born on November 16, 1934 to Myrtle Olena Jones. In the first years of her life she was raised by her mother and grandparents “Ma and Pa Jones” whom she deeply loved. At age 4, Jo Ann was lovingly adopted by L.D. Wilkerson when he married her mother. During her childhood years she had the privilege of learning many life lessons on the family farm, strong work ethic and her love of cooking. Jo Ann accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior during her teen years and was baptized at De Leon Baptist Church. Jo Ann graduated from De Leon High School in 1952. Shortly after graduating high school Jo Ann met and fell in love with the love of her life, James Ernest Hilliard. "Jimmy" was soon deployed to Korea where the two of them exchanged the most beautiful love letters reflecting the love they had for each other and the dreams they were looking forward to as they began their life together. After only going on 3 dates the two were married on November 26, 1953. This union lasted 48 years until Jimmy’s passing in January of 2001. Jimmy and Jo Ann had 3 children: James Edward Hilliard, Ray Gene Hilliard and Teri Ann (Hilliard) Zint. Jo Ann was a devoted wife and mother, always putting her family first. One of the ways Jo Ann most expressed her love to her family was by her cooking. She loved to cook and never used a recipe. Even in her dementia she would offer to make fried chicken if someone came to visit her, it was so engrained in who she was as a person. Jo Ann was a genuine person. She said it like it was with no apology. She affectionately earned the nickname “sassy lady” which she loved. Jo Ann was a long-time member of Georgetown Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School, worship, and serving in the kitchen on Wednesday night meals until she was no longer able. Jo Ann’s faith in Jesus Christ was important to her. She loved to sing, and sing loud, during worship service. Her area of service was cooking, not only at home and church, but in the community for those in need. Jo Ann was generous with her time, love, money, gifts, cooking, and affection with her children and grandchildren. She loved giving period. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James Ernest Hilliard; her mother, Myrtle Olena Wilkerson; her adoptive father, L.D. Wilkerson; nephew, Joseph Wilkerson and her sister-in-law Wanda La Jean McCullough. Due to the concern for the COVID-19 emergency, a small graveside service will be held for her with family only, at 12 Noon on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Preston Bend Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved "Jimmy". Reverend Bobby Hancock will officiate. Jo Ann is survived by her children, James Edward Hilliard (Georgia), Gene Hilliard and Teri (Hilliard) Zint and grandchildren, Matthew Hilliard, Kyle Hilliard, Taylor Zint (Blair), Tanner Zint (Kayla), Mallory Zint (Matt), Olivia Zint, and one great grandchild, Logan Farrell; her brothers, Gayle Wilkerson (Glenda) and Robbie Wilkerson (Laressie) and numerous nieces and nephews. Our family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Ted Truly for caring for our mother for the past 2 decades. You truly “got” our mom. We would also like to thank all of the caregivers at Grayson Place who provided loving care to our mother over the past 4 years. Lastly, we would like to thank Guardian Hospice for the care you gave both our mom and family in the last days of her life. In lieu of flowers the family would like any donations to be made to Georgetown Baptist Church, 207 W. Georgetown Rd., Pottsboro, TX 75076 in her memory. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home.