J. Joann Hillyard

Kearney, MO: J. Joann Hillyard, 87, Kearney, Mo., (formerly of New Hampton, Mo.) was taken into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at a North Kansas City, Mo. hospice house.

She was born January 10, 1936, the 13th of 13 children at Blue Ridge, Mo., to Vincle and Grace Cummings. She attended country schools and Bethany High School.

On April 20, 1952, she was united in marriage to William Eugene Hillyard at the Methodist Church in New Hampton, Mo. To this union, a son and daughter were born, Jack and Lanita. They spent most of their married life living in New Hampton, Mo. Eugene preceded her in death on June 3, 1998, leaving a great void until the end of Joann’s life.

Joann was employed by the Department of Mental Health in Albany, Mo., for 22 years, serving people’s mental and physical disabilities and then she worked for the Harrison County Health Department for 11 years. She was a former youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and secretary and treasurer at the New Hampton Church. She also served as a New Hampton Council Alderwoman and was on the Board of Directors at the White Oak Housing and Community Club of New Hampton.

Joann loved her Lord and her family very much, anxiously waiting for them when they were coming to visit, always wanting a hug from each.

She loved to garden, sharing with her neighbors, and was known for her many flowers. Antiques, garage sales, and serving the Lord were a must. Her dedication to the Lord and family was a beacon that guided her through life always regarding her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as God’s great blessing to her.

Values of honesty, hard work, and integrity were always the core issues of her life and assurance that her family was saved by Jesus Christ. She affirmed that “what was impossible with man is possible with God.” Wanting to deepen her love and faith with Jesus Christ in prayer and fasting believing “to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord.”

Jack and Lanita were so precious and loving in her heart. Preparing for happy holidays, special occasions, and family get togethers brought such joy.

Joann wanted to leave a legacy of kindness and love of Jesus Christ and to one another, especially her children.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Alice Buntin, Thelma Long, Delores Johnston, Maxine Hendren, Flora Meinecke, and Donna Low Cummings; brothers, William Jr. Cummings, John Wesley Cummings, Bonnie Roe Cummings, R.J. Cummings, and Larry Cummings; and sisters-in-law, Melva Cummings, Dixie Cummings, and Delores Cummings.

Joann is survived by her son, Jack Lynn (Teressa) Hillyard, Camp Hill, Pa.; daughter, Lanita Jean (Mervin) Bonham, Lawson, Mo.; grandchildren, Valri Ellen Findley, Caitlin Hillyard, Brennan and Ry Hillyard; great grandchildren, Shannon and Drake Smith; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, Mo. Burial will follow in Miriam Cemetery, Bethany, Mo. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Miriam Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, Mo. 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com