Shirley Ann Roberts Hilliard (Big Mama), 82, passed away Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Sanctuary Hospice House after an extended illness. Shirley was born December 14, 1933, in Jackson, TN to Floyd W. Roberts and Virgie Bell Roberts. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1952. She married her high School sweetheart, William L. (Bill) Hilliard on May 9, 1953. They had two sons, Bill Hilliard of Ecru and Brad Hilliard of Tupelo, and also a special niece Pam Hill. She was a member of the West Main Church of Christ in Tupelo. A master homemaker and excellent cook, she loved cooking for others. She fed hundreds of people over the years when she worked at Hilliard’s General Store in Endville. She was an animal lover and loved her pets dearly. However, her greatest love was her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
Services will be 11 AM Thursday at the Lee Memorial Chapel with Bro. Doug Greenway officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be 5-8 PM Wednesday.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, William L. (Bill) Hilliard; their Children, Bill Hilliard (Chris) and Brad Hilliard (Hope); five grandchildren, Amanda Clayton (Michael), Susan Grubbs (Josh), Heather Anderson (Mark), Bill Hilliard (Leslie), Mallory Trentham (Doug); 14 great-grandchildren, Ty Clayton, Corbyn Clayton, Mia Claire Clayton, Jackson Grubbs, Jett Grubbs, Ayden Anderson, Cooper Anderson, Piper Anderson, Lily James Hilliard, Kate Hilliard, Karmen Trentham, Karson Stegall, Kristopher Trentham, Kase Trentham; her sister, Peggy Compton; and a special niece Pam Hill.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Daryl Roberts.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177 Tupelo MS 38802; or West Main Church of Christ Youth Fund, 2640 W. Main St. Tupelo MS 38801.
