Bettie Lou Hillier

Bettie Lou McCain Lynch Hillier, age 89, passed from this life to glory, in the presence of loving family and friends early Tuesday morning, February 20, 2018. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018 at Rose-Neath Southside. Celebration service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the funeral home with Bro. Crawford Williams officiating. Interment will be at Hathorn Cemetery in Ashland, LA. Born to Sherwood and Thelma Walker McCain, August 7, 1928 in Ashland, LA, Bettie grew up and finished school there. She worked for Southern Bell in Shreveport as a long distance telephone operator until she married Air Force Pvt. JP Lynch. She gave birth to Linda while he was stationed overseas. They lived in Gulf Port, MS, while he was stationed at Kessler AFB, until his death. Later, Bettie met and married Harry Hillier, a widower with a toddler, Harry, and the following year Phyllis was born. So they were blessed with a "his," "hers," and "ours" blended family. During their marriage, they owned and operated several businesses, and raised kids, while being active in their church, Ingleside Baptist. After Harry's passing, Bettie continued to work on the line at AT&T/Lucent assembling coin telephones until her retirement. Later she enjoyed a close friendship with Rockelle Bogan. They were involved in many church activities, gospel singings, and enjoyed traveling with family. Bettie (Nana) is preceded in death by her parents, Sherwood and Thelma; husbands, JP and Harry; special friend, Rockelle; and two brothers, Robert Glynn and wife Sylvia and James Roy and wife Joy. Left to remember her with love are daughters, Linda Bozeman and special friend Willie Buffington and Phyllis, her faithful caregiver for nearly four years; and son, Harry Hillier and wife, Cathie. Others include grandchildren, Kristin Kirkikis and husband John, Andy Bozeman and wife Amy, Matt Bozeman, Nicholas Godfrey, and Dustin Godfrey; great-grandchildren, Chelsea Lauzon and fiancé Larry, Taylor Ryder and husband Beau, and Josh Broadway; and great-great-grandchildren, Gabriella (Gabby) Lauzon and Garrison Lauzon. Mother was a loving and faithful Christian; one could see it exemplified in her life. We enjoyed her wit and humor. She loved her Lord, family, and friends, many of whom will greet her in eternity. She was a giver, not a taker. Sometimes a little stubborn, but always a lady. She met the challenges of widow-hood, losing her sight, and declining health with dignity and grace. Her faith kept her strong till the end. The family would like to thank Dr. Rajendra Gandhi, Dr. Scott Kavanaugh, and Amedisys Hospice staff, especially Kathy, her primary nurse and Kiesha, her primary medical assistant. In lieu of flowers, donations to either the Alzheimer's Association or Macular Degeneration Research would be appreciated. Pallbearers will be her son, Harry; grandsons, Andy, Matt, Nicholas, and Dustin; and great-grandson, Josh.