Jo Ann Hilliard

On March 22, 2025, at 6:18 pm Jo Ann at Eighty-eight years of age, was given her wings to go to her new heavenly home. Upon departure she was surrounded by her loving family and good friends who were honored to be with her on the last leg of herjourney. We will miss her loving spirit, her radiant smile, andher contagious laughter.  She was a woman of unwavering love, strength, and she has left a legacy of cherished memories.

The union of Willie and Elvira Henderson produced 12 children,three boys and nine girls. On September 25th, 1936, Willie and Elvira, in their loving home on Route 2 in Golinda, Texas, gave birth to their 9th child, Jo Ann. Jo Ann graduated from Downsville Highschool, Downsville, Texas. She grew up in Majors Chapel Church where she loved participating in Sunday School and Bible drill activities

She loved spending time with her mother learning to sew and cook. Her signature dish was Pecan Pie. She was the quiet oneof the family, but she wasn’t one to be messed with. She would always stand firm and be true to her word.

Jo Ann was a dedicated hard worker with the Coke Cola company, Levi Strauss company and a compassionate caregiver in the home health industry. She was a fashionable dresser, enjoyed watching sports, and traveling.

Jo Ann’s greatest joy was loving and caring for her family,especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To date Jo Ann was the longest living relative of the Henderson family!

Family to bid her farewell: two grandchildren: Desirea Boone and, Juvan Boone. three great-grandchildren: Mo’Nay Oliver, Genesis Boone, and Ra’Shan Stevens. Two sisters: Eleanor West (10th) and Elizabeth Jackson (12th). One daughter in law, Patricia Boone. Two special nieces: Reta Reid and Renata West-Jackson. Long-time Friend Johnnie Watson.  And a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family to greet her at her heavenly home: Freddie C. Hilliard (husband), Gwendolyn Horne (Daughter), Gregory Boone (Son),Winston Horne (grandson), Willie Henderson (father), Elvira Henderson (mother). Siblings: Bertha and Versa Henderson-twins (2nd & 3rd), Lorenzo Henderson (4th), Mary Lou Smith (1st), JD Henderson (7th), Rose Marie Leggins (11th), Mattie C. Robinson (6th), Willie D (Pop) Henderson, (5th), Dorothy Ruth Wynne (8th).

(numbers represent the order of the siblings’ birth)