OBITUARY

Hattie Tillotson Hilliard

October 10, 1936 –July 16, 2023

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8)." Earthly life for Hattie Tillotson Hilliard began on Saturday, October 10,1936 as the first child born to the union of William and Edna Bailey Tillotson. She became the second grandchild of her paternal grandparents, Samuel and Lacey Cotton Tillotson, as well as the second grandchild of her maternal grandparents, John and Mary Jane King Bailey. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family welcomed Hattie's birth and remained a vital part of her earthly life journey.

Upon reaching school age, Hattie began school at the Prairieville Grammar School where she was a student through eighth grade. This was the highest grade available to Black children in Prairieville at that time. Consequently, she enrolled at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she matriculated from 9th through 10th grade. Prairieville School opened in 1951 as a school for Black students in grades 1-12. Subsequently, Hattie transferred to Prairieville High. Hattie graduated with academic honors. After high school, Hattie enrolled in college at Southern University, where she majored in home economics.

Meanwhile, Hattie met and married her devoted husband, George Hilliard. To this union were born three daughters: Betty Stewart (Nathaniel), Gwendolyn Hilliard and Melinda Hilliard of Prairieville and two sons George Hilliard, Jr. (Judy) and Calvin Hilliard.

Hattie started her work career at Prairieville High School, her alma mater, and achieved promotion to the position of Supervisor. When Prairieville High School became a middle school, due to school desegregation, Hattie transferred to Kennedy High School in Gonzales, which later became East Ascension Junior High School (now East Ascension Middle). As in every aspect of her life, Hattie gave one hundred percent. The cafeteria staff admired and respected her. Hattie remained in the cafeteria supervisory position until retirement in1988.

After retirement, Hattie started providing childcare for her grandchildren. Soon non-family members were asking Hattie to care for their children, and this sparked a new career for Hattie. She became an in-home daycare provider, a career that continued for more than 35 years. As a childcare provider, Hattie gave excellent care by providing meals that followed dietary guidelines and implementing a regimen of specified sleep, play, and mealtimes. Hattie nurtured the children as if they were members of her family. In turn, they behaved like family and referred to her as "Maw-Maw Hattie." Many of the parents and children remained in touch with Hattie and continued showing appreciation long after the children no longer needed care.

Hattie's Christian life began during her youth when she accepted Christ and was baptized by the late, Reverend J. H. Moore. After ordination of Reverend Lucious Hargrove, as pastor of Mt. Gillion in 1975, Hattie continued Christian growth. She joined the Usher Board and served under Head Usher, Sister Elvira Cornish. When Sister Cornish's health no longer allowed her to continue in a leadership role, Hattie became Head Usher. Hattie continued as Head Usher until the late 1990's when she relinquished leadership but continued as a member of the Usher Board through the time of her death.

Hattie was a central participant in Pastor Lucious Hargrove's Street Ministry and Prayer Band. She attended weekly Friday Night Bible Study and Prayer Services that Pastor Hargrove held at the homes of people throughout Prairieville and surrounding areas. She was also active in many Mt. Gillion Church committees and program activities. One of the most notable examples is Hattie's annual Co-Chairing of the Mt. Gillion Family Day Repast Committee. Due to her diligence and the work of committee members, joyful Christian fellowship always followed Family Day church services.

Hattie is survived by three daughters: Betty Stewart (Nathaniel), Gwendolyn Hilliard and Melinda Hilliard of Prairieville and two sons George Hilliard, Jr. (Judy) of Prairieville and Calvin Hilliard (Ellenwood, GA); three sisters: Neta T. Smith and Mary T. Hargrove (Prairieville), Dr. Lacey Tillotson (Baton Rouge); and two brothers: Obbie Tillotson (Baton Rouge) and Louis Tillotson (Prairieville). She also leaves beloved grandchildren: Ursula Stewart and Jonathan Stewart (Prairieville); Dr. Cammie Hilliard Williams (Theodore, Jr.) and Nicholas Hilliard (Desiree') of Gonzales; Corkeisha Lucas (Prairieville); and Caleb Trevor Hilliard (Seattle, WA); four great grandchildren: Kennedy Stewart (Baton Rouge), Jalen Hilliard (Prairieville), Caylah Hilliard (Seattle, WA), Theodore Williams III, and Kiera Butler (Gonzales).  Hattie also leaves seven sisters-In-Law: Earnestine Tillotson (Prairieville) and Corrine Hayes (Compton, CA), Mary Lee Hilliard (Gonzales), Nell Morris, Yvonne Hilliard, and Jean Hilliard of New Orleans; and Betty Hilliard (CA). In addition, Hattie leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

Hattie was preceded in death by her devoted husband, George Hilliard, three brothers: Emile Tillotson (Pontiac, MI); Joseph Hayes (Compton, CA) and Douglas Tillotson (Prairieville); a grandson Timothy (TJ) Benn, Jr. (Prairieville); and six brothers-in-law: Joseph (New Orleans), Leon (CA), William (Gonzales); Abe, Clarence, and Richard Hilliard of New Orleans. Six sisters-in-law also preceded Hattie in death: Annie Mae Hilliard (New Orleans), Lillie Mae Hilliard (Gonzales), Lillie Rose Hilliard and Deloris Hilliard of New Orleans; Nettie Tillotson (Pontiac, MI) and Gladys Tillotson (Baton Rouge).

Hattie lived a full and vibrant life. She traveled extensively touring, visiting family, and vacationing. Hattie was humorous. Nieces, cousins, and friends emboldened her humor with playful teasing. She also found fulfillment in planting and tending flowers, as well as entertaining family and friends. Hattie epitomized Romans 12:18 that adjures: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Hattie was the "rock" of her immediate and extended family. She will be sorely missed; she leaves a void that cannot be filled.