Frances J. Hilliard

Frances J. Hilliard, 83, died on July 24, 2018 at her home in Dunnellon while under the care of Hospice of Marion County.  She was born April 30, 1935 in Johnstown, PA. Frances was the daughter to the late Thomas and Sophia (Gacka) Brys. She is survived by her daughters, Paulette Szydlo (Scott), Dunnellon, Christy Rovelto (Ryan), Dunnellon, Bobbie Runnels (Kerry), Ocala; her grandchildren, Alex Roberts, Jesse Roberts, Jake Runnels, Dana Roberts, Brent Runnels, Gavin Szydlo, Griffin Runnels, Carrigan Runnels and two great grandchildren, Aydian and Thea Mae Roberts. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Hilliard and her sister, Delores Hamonko. After graduating from High School Frances entered into the convent with the  Dominican Sisters of Peace in  Oxford, Michigan in where she devoted fifteen years of her life in humble service to  our Lord Jesus in many different ways especially with teaching children. Frances felt another calling in the secular world and met her late husband Dewey and together had three beautiful daughters. In 1972 Frances and Dewey moved from Fernandina Beach to Dunnellon,  FL where she continued to reside after her husband’s passing; raising her three daughters and working and eventually retiring with the Marion County Public School System as an Educator Assistant. Frances continued to show her love to children by volunteering with Romeo and Dunnellon Elementary School. She was a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon for many years. Frances taught C.C.D which today is called faith formation and was a regular at Sunday’s Bible Study and played the organ temporarily until the church hired someone full time. She truly had a passion for teaching, reading, music and loved being with children. She carried her cross with Christ in the midst of suffering and her life became a living prayer which showed in many beautiful ways. She was a gentle, humble soul who loved so many people. Frances is now enjoying her eternal reward with her Savior in that glorious city where one day we will see her again. We Love you Mom, granny and friend until we meet again.  

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