Obituary

Obituary

Mr. Rudolph Sidney Hilliard (Mr. Rudy), of Houston, TX, passed away on April12, 2019 at the age of 83. Rudolph was born to parents Asa Grant Hilliard II and Lois O. Hilliard on May 28, 1935 in Bay City, TX. He grew up as the younger brother of Asa Grant III, and the eldest of four other siblings. He attended Manual High School in 1952. In 1953, Rudolph enlisted in the military, committing his service to the US Air Force; and was in active-duty during the end of the Korean War. Through his tenure with the Air Force, Rudolph earned a number of service awards and achievements, most notable being assigned to Strategic Air Command (2005th Comms Squadron) and winning the USAF Welterweight Boxing Championship in Ramstein AFB, Germany (1963). While serving during the Vietnam War, he met and married Susan Elizabeth Hilliard (née Savery). Through their marriage, they had two children; Robey and Sabena Hilliard. The couple later separated, and officially divorced. Tech. Sergeant Rudolph Hilliard was discharged from the Air Force as honorably retired, separating from service in New Hampshire, and later relocating to Houston, TX in 1975. Rudolph briefly attended Texas Southern University while furthering his education, developing a passion for photography and quickly becoming known as the family â

Obituary

Life’s Journey

Amuel Hilliard was the youngest of seven children born to James and Violet Hilliard in San Antonio, TX on July 11, 1934. His family was prominent and well-respected members of the community and were actively involved in the Church of God. 

When he was nine years old, the family moved from Texas to San Diego, CA where he received his early education. In his Junior year, he moved to Perris, CA and attended Perris Union High School (PUHS) where he excelled in sports: Football, Basketball, and Track & Field. 

After graduation in 1952, he attended college for a short time, after which he enlisted in the United States Army, he was honorably discharged in 1955.

Amuel met the love of his life, Earline Smith in his senior year at Perris Union High School (PUHS).  Four years later, they were united in holy matrimony on June 3, 1956.  To their union were five children: Rachel, Renard, Jaynene, Myron, and Bobby.

Family roots and unity were of the utmost importance to the Hilliard's.  The highlight of every summer were the family trips.  Amuel and Earline would pile all the children into the camper/motorhome and traveled all over the United States, exploring places like the Grand Canyon, the White House, and the Statue of Liberty and making stops to visit as many relatives and friends as they could. They even ventured into Canada and of course Mexico.  Part of the more extraordinary experience of the summer excursions was when the motorhome broke down. That is when the blame and finger pointing began.but so did the games, jokes and all the other fun.  Those trips were truly an amazing test of faith and they were filled with many life lessons which will never be forgotten.

Amuel and Earline had a desire to visit the Holy Land so after the nest was empty, they made the trip twice with a group of friends from church and they also toured Rome, Italy, Jerusalem, Jordan, Switzerland, Norway, France, England, Israel, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore. 

Dad Hilliard took very good care of his family, and yet he was concerned about others and how he could make life better for them by buying or fixing things for them.  He was that pillar of strength that caused so many to call him 'Dad'. He truly believed "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)."

After 35 years of service, Amuel retired from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works as a Sanitation Regional Supervisor. 

Prior to Amuel's total commitment to Christ, he served as Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Mt. Helix Lodge #1405. He also served as a 33° Mason with the Isis Temple No. #102.

He became a member of the Greater Jackson Memorial Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and later joined Faith Chapel C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Bishop Roy Dixon where he served as an Usher, Deacon, member of the Trustee Board, Finance Committee, and President of the Brotherhood. For the past five years he was an active and a faithful member of City of Hope International Church under the leadership of Bishop Terrell Fletcher.  He had a special connection with the Brotherhood where he spent every Saturday morning in prayer and fellowship with his brothers. His love for the scriptures never diminished and he was committed to the study and distribution of the Word of God.  He was a student of Bible Study Fellowship for many years and most recently attended Beyond Sunday Academy at New Creation Church under the extraordinary tutelage of Pastor Wendell Bass.

Amuel departed this life on Friday, October 6, 2017.  He now joins his father, mother, and six siblings who all preceded him in death.

Amuel leaves to cherish his memory: Earline, his loving wife and life partner of sixty-one years; six children: Kennard Hilliard, Renard Hilliard, Rachel Hilliard, Jaynene (David) Portis, all of San Diego; Myron (Mona) Hilliard, and Bobby (Jan) Hilliard of Atlanta, Georgia; adopted daughter Sarah (Ray) Carter of San Diego, Mentee Johnny (Rea) Williams. Thirteen Grandchildren: Kennard Jr, Vonya, Christine, Andrew, Daniel, Daryn, Raven, Rosalyn, Isaiah, Alex, Kendra (James), Myra, and Raymond.  Six great grandchildren: Elijah, Ilias, Sarai, Blake, Presley and Joseph; many adopted sons and daughters, and a host of relatives.


 

Obituary

Obituary

Thelma was a lovely mother , grandmother  she leaves behind a 6 children 
Renee Middleton , JoAnn Brown , Violet Morgan ,Jackie Thomas , Geraldine  malbra; Joseph Davis 3

Obituary

Clifton Hilliard, Sr. departed this life on Sunday, September 4, 2016. Clifton was born on October 17, 1928, to the union of Ivory Hilliard and Catherine Granger, in Columbus, Texas.

After relocating to Santa Monica, he attended Santa Monice High School and Santa Monic College.   HE joined the United State Army in 1949, and received an Honorable Discharge in 1952.    He met and married Thelma Marie Barker in 1956.  To this union one son, Clifton Jr., was born.  God called Clifton Jr. home on December 26, 2000.

“Cliff” as he was affectionately known, was a dedicated family man, who always place his family first.   The happiest time of his life was when he was blessed with grandson, Aaron.   They were constantly together and really enjoyed each other’s company.
 
Cliff was employed by the United State Postal Services as a Supervisor in Venice, and Later in Maria Del Rey.   He enjoyed his co-workers and customers and often entertained the family with their exploits.   His special hobbies were card games and dominos.
 
He leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his passing, his devoted wife of sixty (60) years, Thelma; grandson, Aaron; sisters: Mattie Biles of Midland, Georgia and Jane Marie Welch of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.   His sister Lillian Hughes preceded him in death.

Our hearts are filled with sadness, but we realize that this homegoing is the greatest experience of Clifton Hilliard, Sr.’s Life – a life that was filled with wonderful experience as he enjoyed an abundance of love and joy.
 

Obituary

Minister Elroy Henry passed away on June 14, 2016, He was born on October 27, 1944 in Houston, TX to Elmo and Ruby Henry.   He graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and retired as a Master Sergeant after 23 years of honorable services.

Elroy accepted Christ to his life at an early age and later acknowledged his calling to become a deacon and later a minister.   He loved his church and ministries.   As a member of Resurrection Baptist Church, Minister Henry unselfishly server by organizing supplies for Evangelism classes and teaching the 102 class, providing marriage and premarital counseling to couples, and bringing to life his vision of starting an outreach ministry, which provided food, clothes, fellowship and encouragement to those less fortunate.  He enjoyed traveling with his family and cruises with his wife.   He was an avid San Antonio Spurs and Judson Rocker fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Elroy in survived by his wife of 50 years, Johnnie White Henry; sons: Eric Henry, San Antonio, TX and Terrill (Towanda) Henry, Garland, Texas; daughter, Terri Henry, Cibolo, Texas; grandson, Brandon Henry, San Antonio, TX and granddaughter, Mayorri Miller, Cibolo, TX; brother, Gene Aurty Henry, Weimar, TX Aunts: Rose Hilliard and Lillie Steward, Houston, TX, Rosie Hasty, Weimar, TX; sisters-in-law, Iranell (Clarence) Steward, and Thelma (Edward) Glass, Schulenburg, TX; Brothers-in-law: Manfred Spencer Sr.,  Houston, TX, Victor White Jr., Schulenburg, TX, Hermer White, and Ronnie (Marion) White, Houston, TX and a host of nieces and nephews.

Obituary

Mr. Robert Bennett Cunningham was born on December 24, 1929 to the late Henry Cunningham and the late Agnes Hilliard Cunningham Newton.  He and his six brothers and one sister were raised in Lavaca County and attended Brown Chapel Public School.  He confessed Christ at an early age at Westland Baptist Church.  Later, when he moved to San Antonio, he united with the Wheatley Heights Baptist Church.  He served for two years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1955.  He worked many years at Holiday Brick Company, and later at Manco Structures Ltd where he retired after 32 years as a foreman.  Manco Structures Ltd recognized his hard work and dedication by renaming Batch Plant #4 to “Robert B. Cunningham Plant”.  Robert’s favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing and his favorite place to pursue his hobbies was in Oakland, Texas.

Robert was married to Helen Johnson on September 20, 1952.  To this union they were blessed with one son.  Prior to his marriage, Robert had one daughter.  He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and one sister. 

Robert Cunningham leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 63 years, Helen B. Cunningham; one daughter, Sandra Richardson, San Antonio, TX; one son, Donald Cunningham (Yolanda), Houston, TX; five grandchildren, Tomika Cunningham Coleman (Dan), Asherdee Hollis (Daniel), San Antonio, TX, Brandi Cunningham Roberson (Erwin), Brandon Cunningham, Houston, TX, Briana Cunningham Crozier (Michael), Forney, TX; two step-grandchildren, Maya and Kristen Williams, Houston, TX, and seven great-grandchildren, Meghan Coleman, Brittany Parker, Tenè Coleman, Jaden Johnson, Dylan Roberson, Anakin Cunningham, Michael Crozier II and a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many cousins and friends. 

Obituary

Obituary

Obituary

Obituary

Obituary

Obituary

Obituary

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ella Mae Cunningham Baker was the only girl child born July 6, 1924 to the late Henry Cunningham and the late Agnes Hilliard Cunningham Newton.  She and her seven brothers were raised in Lavaca County and attended Brown Chapel Public School.  She attended Walls Beauty College, Houston, TX. Later she went on to become a licensed Nurse at Renger Memorial School of Nursing, Hallettsville, TX.  She had a passion for nursing and loved her work.   She loved to help people and retired after 26 years in the nursing profession.

Sister Baker confessed Christ at an early age and was a faithful and devoted member of New Zion Temple #2 Church under the leadership of Elder H. McClendon, Pastor.  She worked faithfully in all capacities of the church. Served as church Treasurer and Secretary and mother of the church, never tiring of doing for others.  Mother Baker touched many lives and was loved and adored by all who knew her.

She was known as Ella Mae, Ma'Dear, Aunt Ella Mae, Aunt Nanny, or Mother Baker. She was the family historian, and a strong woman with deep roots who loved her family. She was always willing to share a good home cooked meal, including her famous egg custard pie and collard greens with anyone in her presence.

Ella Mae was married to John Wesley Baker on March 12, 1944, who preceded her in death.  To this union they were blessed with four children; two girls and two boys. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and one grandson, Chris Baker.

Mother Baker leaves to cherish her memory:  two daughters, Geraldine Baker Davis (Henry) and Beverly Baker Budd, San Antonio, TX; two sons; John Wayne Baker (Veronica), Oakland, TX; Kenneth Baker, San Antonio, TX., one stepson Rev. William Baker,(Deborah) Houston, TX; one brother, Robert B. Cunningham (Helen), Fourteen grandchildren: Terrance Davis, Tallahassee, FL, Kherri Davis Jean (McDonald), Ft Worth, TX, Rhonda Baker Watkins, Anthony Baker (Nickki), Theresa Baker, Jordan Baker, Little Rock, AR., John Wayne Weary, Houston, TX, Leonard Avery, Woodsburg, TX, Shawna Baker, Wylie, TX,  Allan Budd, Kenny Baker, Katrina Baker, Kenneth Baker, Doreathea Baker, and Edmond Baker Davis, San Antonio, TX.; 20 great grandchildren, three great-great, grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many cousins and friends.
 

“We Loved her, But God Loved her Best”

Obituary

Laura Beatrice Bourgeois-Hilliard was born in Franklin Louisiana on October 16, 1916. She was the daughter of Laura Robinson and Christopher Bourgeois. Her older brothers were Johnny and Christopher C. Bourgeois,II. After her mother's demise, her father married Lena Holmes. Another sister, Alaska Bourgeois-Prince and 7 more siblings were added. Laura"s son, Sgt. Paul L. Hilliard proceeded her in death. Following her legacy is John Evelyn Hilliard-Lewis (Percy deceased), Lionell A. Hilliard, Sr.(Virginia) and Edith Marie Hilliard-Page (Curtis); Grandson she raised Forece D. Hilliard; and Granddaughter she raised Laura D. Page-Ware (Edward); 18 more grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. "We miss you Big Mama!!!"

Obituary

Catherine Glass was born June 9, 1918 in Oakland, Texas to the late Artis Hilliard and Florance Gordon.  She attended public school in Weimer, Texas.   She was united in Holy matrimony to Oscar Glass in 1934.   To this union two children were born.  She was employed as Housekeeper unity retirement in 1982. 

Catherine accepted Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age.   She worshipped for many years as Stevens Chapel United Methodist Church in Schulenburg Texas.    She served faithfully in the Choir, Teaching Sunday School, Bible Study and she enjoyed and loved preparing the children for Easter programs.   Easter would no past with Catherine's help.

On Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at 4:20 p.m. in San Bernardino, California in St. Bernadine Hospital, God was reaching down and Catherine was reaching up when he called her home.   She was at the age of 83 years, 5 months and 25 days.  She leaves to cherish her memory, Two Sons Artis Glass Sr of Los Angeles, CA, Clifton Glass & wife Mary of Diamond Bar, CA.   Three Grandsons Rev. Artis Glass Jr. & wife Renee' of Long Beach, CA, Clifford Glass & wife Carolyn of San Bernardino, CA, Troy Oscar Glass of Diamond Bar, Ca and on one Granddaughter Kimberly April Glass, of Riverside CA.  Great-grandchildren Natasha Glass, Nicole Glass, Brandon Glass, Tiffany Glass, Brittany Glass, Dionna Glass, DiAndra Glass, and Porsha Glass.
 

Obituary

John Hilliard was the youngest son born to Young East Hilliard I and Callie Cunningham on April 25, 1910.  He lived in Hallettsville, Tx and attended schools in Schulenberg, TX.  He pastored several churches.  Powell Point Church of God, Acreage Homes Church of God, Heights Church of God.  He was co-pastor of Texas City Church of God and the Assistant Pastor of Liberty Road Church of God.  He was married to Laura Bourgeois Hilliard and together they were parents of four wonderful children:  John Evelyn Hilliard Lewis (Percy); Paul Lawrence Hilliard (Barbara); Lionell Aubrey Hilliard, Sr. (Virginia) and Edith Marie Hilliard- Page (Curtis).  He has 18 grandchildren; 42 greatgrandchildren, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces AND friends.

Obituary

Mrs. Agnes Cunningham Newton was born March 9, 1893 in Lavaca County to the late Sarah Robinson and Elijah Hilliard.  She attended school in Brown Chapel and accepted Christ at an early age.  She united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Henry Cunningham June 1911, who preceded her in death.  To this union eight children were born.  She was preceded by two sons, John Henry and Eddie Cunningham..

In 1952 she married Mr. Robert D. Newton who preceded her in death.  She departed this life October 26, 1986.  She leaves to mourn one daughter, Ella Mae Baker of Oakland, Texas; five sons, Earnest Cunningham of Houston, Texas; AC and Robert Cunningham of San Antonio, Texas; Willie Cunningham of San Francisco CA; Roy Lee Cunningham of Oakland, Texas; twenty one grandchildren and forty-two great-grandchildren; five daughter-in-laws; one devoted son-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Obituary

Mr. John Henry Cunningham was the second child born to Agnes and the late Henry Cunningham, May 31, 1913, in Lavaca County, Texas.

He attended Brown Chapel Public School.  At an early age, he confessed in Christ at Westland Baptist Church.  He later united with Wheatley Heights Baptist Church in San Antonio. Texas.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Marguerite Cunningham Sapp, (Hanklin Sapp) of San Jose CA; three grandchildren, Ricky Sapp, Oakland, CA; SP4 Kimberly A. Sapp, Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Anthony C. Sapp of San Antonio, TX; his mother, Mrs. Agnes Cunningham Newton of Oakland Texas; one sister, Ella Mae Baker of Oakland TX; seven brothers, Ernest Cunningham, Houston, TX; Roy Lee Cunningham, Oakland Texas; Willie Cunningham, San Francisco, CA;  Rev. Eddie Cunningham, AC Cunningham, and Robert Cunningham, all of San Antonio, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Obituary