Sara Simmons Hillman passed away peacefully on December 28, 2016 from complications of a stroke, which she had bravely battled for over 3 1/2 years. Sara was born April 23rd, 1935 and grew up in the Kosciusko area where she attended school and church. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, attending all services and playing the piano and organ for many Sunday school classes and worship services. Her husband, Reverend Byrd Hillman, often expressed appreciation for her Christian training that came from her family and church. Her knowledge and appreciation of the Bible was excellent. She read and studied the Bible and her devotionals nightly. Sara was a true Kosciusko "Whippet." She was a strong participant in many activities, especially the "Big Red Band" where she was a clarinet player, a majorette, and was the Drum Majorette her senior year. She was proud of her band experience, especially getting to march in a parade in New York City her junior year. Sara attended Mississippi College and graduated with honors. She reflected on her years at MC with pride and gratitude. After graduation, she went to work at Standard Life Insurance in Jackson, where she met Byrd Hillman, Jr. They were married September 3, 1957. Byrd and Sara began a long and happy life in the United Methodist ministry, where she excelled as a church member and a pastor's wife. She also taught high school in Lucedale, Pelahatchie and Meridian. Sara's leadership ability and her commitment to Christ and the church was evident in many leadership roles. Sara was a leader in clergy spouse's groups, United Methodist Women's groups and leadership training events. Sara was honored to be a delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference three times and a delegate to United Methodist General Conference twice. After their retirement, Sara assisted Byrd in serving as the Pension Liaison for pastors in the Mississippi Conference. Sara was grateful for the honor of being selected to serve as chairperson of the committee to plan the celebration of 100 years of ministry for the Lake Junaluska United Methodist Assembly in 2013.
She loved church music and showed great leadership playing the piano, singing in choir and teaching children's choir and kindergarten. After her stroke, her speech was limited yet her ability to remember and sing hymns was amazing and brought great joy to her family and friends. Sara was preceded in death by her parents Grady and Frances (Cain) Simmons. She is survived by her husband Adam Byrd Hillman, Jr. of Kosciusko, her children Byrd Hillman, III (Cookie) of Madison MS, Mary Frances Benton (Brad) of Atlanta,GA and John Robert Hillman, of Kosciusko, her grandchildren Taylor Ann, Josh, Mercer Benton, Byrd Hillman, IV and Drew Hillman. Her siblings are sisters Lucy Rushing (Stan) and Jane Ellen Rawdon (Mike) and her brother Frank Simmons (Karen). Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5th in the parlor of First Methodist from 4 -7 pm. A Memorial Service to celebrate Sara's life will be held in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church in Kosciusko on Friday, January 6th at 11:00, with visitation at 10 am.
If you would like to honor Sara's life with gifts, please consider Camp Wesley Pines, Box 307, Gallman,MS, the Mississippi Conference Board of Pensions, 320-A Briarwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39206, or First Methodist Church Kosciusko.

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