Odessa Juanita Jones Hilliard was born April 16, 1936 in Nashville, NC; the second of three children from the blessed union of Joseph and Pearly Jones.  As a dedicated student, Juanita was recognized for maintaining perfect attendance during her entire schooling and graduating from Nash County Training School.

Shortly after marrying her husband James Hilliard they relocated to Hampton Roads, VA.  Their 68 year union blessed them with four children.

She found her church home at New Hope Baptist Church and served the Lord as a faithful and active member.  During her 50 years of service she worked as a Sunday school teacher and on the kitchen committee as well as years as the church clerk

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Pearly Jones, and siblings Joseph Jones, Jr and Ernestine Jones Battle.

Cherishing her memories, she leaves a loving family including husband James Hilliard; sons, Stan (Regina) Hilliard; James Darnell Hilliard; Carl (Sheryl) Hilliard; and daughter Cathy (Morris) Harrell; grandchildren Carl (LaRussia) Calloway; Bric (Jasmine) Hilliard; Andrea (Derrick) Burke; Kasee Hilliard; Sydney (Forrest) Sharp; Kayla Harrell; James Darnell Hilliard II; Jordan Hilliard and (7) great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Dorthine Jones

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church.  Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.