Ruth Thornton Hilliard

Amory – Ruth T. Hilliard, 90, died on Sunday, July 29, 2012, at Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center. Born on January 15, 1922, in Becker, she was a daughter of the late W. A. and Estelle Harmon Thornton.

Mrs. Hilliard was a graduate of Becker High School, Class of 1940, and received her degree from MS State College for Women. On June 7, 1945, she married William W. “Bill” Hilliard. Mrs. Hilliard taught at Smithville High School until leaving to rear her children. Returning to work in 1963 as the Director of Food Services for the Amory School System, she retired in 1986. A devoted Christian lady, Mrs. Hilliard was a member of First Baptist Church. Her mission was reaching out to people by cooking and delivering food to them; when she was unable to cook, she continued her ministry by sending flowers. Mrs. Hilliard was a member of the Century Club, MS School Food Association, and the Ex-POW Association. A loving and caring mother who was always thinking of others, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Cook (Steve), Birmingham; son, Joe Hilliard, Becker; brother, Harmon Thornton (Mary), Chambersburg, PA; brother-in-law, Albert Hilliard, Amory; grandchildren, Cayce Cook (Andrea) and Kevin Cook, of Birmingham; great-grandchild, Harper Annalee Cook, Birmingham; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Estelle Thornton.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Noon, Tuesday, July 31 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Dr. Allen Simpson and Bro. Jimmy McFatter officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Neil Hilliard, Billy Kirkpatrick, Jimmy Downs, Gerald Marion, Gary Swan, and Lendon Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Herndon and Bud Everett.

Visitation will be from 10 – 11:45 AM, Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, PO Box 540, Amory, MS 38821.