Bernice Lillian Hilliard

Bernice professed her faith in the Lord at an early age at New Green Mountain Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. She moved to Washington D.C. after high school and worked for the federal government. After leaving Washington D.C. she moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she joined Madison Square Presbyterian Church. Eventually she came home to her Baptist roots and joined Mount Zion First Baptist Church where she was a member of Mission #14. She also served on the Usher Board #2 until poor health rendered her unable to do so.

She graduated from Berley High School in Charlottesville, VA. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. After graduation, she worked for the San Antonio Federal Credit Union. A few years later she worked as an educator for San Antonio Independent School District until she no longer could due to health concerns. She was an active member of both Jack & Jill of America and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for many years.

She leaves to cherish her memory four children: Ronald L.M. Hilliard, Bennie H. Brown, Portia D. Hilliard and Robert L.M. Hilliard, Jr. of Houston, Texas. Raising her four children to be God fearing, productive adults was the joy of her life. She also spent countless hours enjoying her five grandchildren: Jon R. Brown, Lillian M.H. Byas, Shelby P. Hilliard, Julianne G.H. Brown and Colby M. Hilliard. She loved being a grandmother just as much as she loved being a mom. She leaves behind her nieces Diane Satterwhite of Clinton, Maryland, Joyce Moore and Catherine Nowlin of Charlottesville, Virginia, and nephews Ronald Allen of New York, Michael Nelson of Monoria, Maryland, and Terry Nelson of Charlottesville, Virginia, and a host of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by brothers Edward Nelson, George Nelson, and Haywood Nelson, and two sisters Earl Nelson and Janice Nelson Nowlin.

Bernice was a devoted mother and grandmother who ALWAYS put her family first. She tried to, above all else, instill in her children and grandchildren the value of living a Christian life. She also did many things in her quiet way to help the less fortunate.

She was a soft-spoken, classy lady and will be truly missed by her family and friends.