It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marilyn Carol Hilliard, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, who peacefully departed this life to be with Jesus on February 7, 2025, at the age of 72 in her home surrounded by family. Her warmth, generosity, and love will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
Marilyn was a devoted family matriarch who found immense joy in her role as “Nanny” to her ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her laughter was never more radiant than when surrounded by her family, sharing stories and creating beautiful memories at the lake house – a place she loved while sitting on the screened porch enjoying her coffee and watching the kids play. A true lover of animals, Marilyn’s compassionate spirit extended to all living beings. She loved gardening as well. Whether caring for her dog, Gemma, or admiring birds on her back porch, she found deep joy in nature’s creations. Above all, Marilyn was a selfless giver. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she had an incredible ability to make anyone feel seen, heard, and loved. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand or a listening ear, often putting the needs of others before her own. Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, compassion, and countless cherished memories. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been touched by her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Brown Hilliard, Jr. and Dorothy Mae Hilliard and is survived by her beloved husband, Jimmy Prewitt, her sisters, Nancy Weidner, (Mick), and Janet Anderson (Don), as well as her brother, Walter B. Hilliard, III, her children, Chuck Lemmond (Kim), and Melissa Girouard (Brady), as well as her stepchildren, Chad Prewitt (Robin), and Misty Newton, her grandchildren, Lauren Reeves, Mallory Reeves, Christopher Reeves, Kennedi Lemmond, Abbi Lemmond, Clint Prewitt (Khloe), Jorden Phillips (Chase), Cole Girouard (Ashlyn), Wyatt Girouard (Hallie) and Dalton Newton. and her great grandchildren, Jace Cooper, Gentry Anderson, Hayes Prewitt and Casey Prewitt, who will carry forward her spirit of kindness and joy.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Jon Weidner, Kyle Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Chris Reeves, Hayden Anderson, and Michael
Hilliard. Serving as Honorary Pallbearer will be Jace Cooper.
Rest in peace, Marilyn. Your legacy of love will continue to shine through those you touched.
~The family would like to give a special thank you to Baptist Cancer Center and Gentiva Hospice for their care.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Doug Girouard. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
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