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 13 th of 13 children at Blue Ridge, Missouri 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