Mrs. Lou Jean Hillman

Mrs. Lou Jean (Bates) Hillman, known as Jean to her many friends and family, passed away Thursday (September 3, 2015) at her daughter's house in California. She was 78 years old. Six months ago, she lost Frank, her husband, of nearly 58 years, as she learned that she, too, was diagnosed with cancer and had to fight for her life while mourning the man that she loved and spent her life with. For over 50 years, Jean was a compassionate and consummate nurse who helped thousands of patients through their moments of need, and it has been the honor of her family and friends to be at her side to help comfort and guide her through her grief and sickness. Jean was born on February 3, 1937 in Kentucky to the late Landis and Mary Bates; she has been a resident of Kingsport, TN, since 1963. She is preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Hillman; her parents, six brothers, and six sisters. Jean's legacy lives on through her children, Jonathan Hillman of Huntsville, AL; Robert Hillman & wife, Jacqueline of Fort Worth, TX; William Hillman of Denver, CO; Catherine Sullivan & husband, Jon, of Santa Ana, CA; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren that adore and love their Nana; sisters, Mary B. Holcomb of Norton, VA and Jackie Hubbard of Kingsport; and Mel & Rosemary Brent who were dear friends and formidable card opponents to Frank and Jean for over 30 years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday (September 19 , 2015) at 1 pm for Jean and Frank at Trinity Memorial Centers Life Celebration Chapel (1221 Stewball Circle, Kingsport) with committal services at East Lawn Memorial Park to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you will honor their memory by donating to the American Cancer Society ( https://donate.cancer.org/index ) in their name to join the fight against cancer. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Lou Jean (Bates) Hillman. For more information on services or directions please call (423-723-8177) or visit www.trinitymemorialcenters.com to send a message, a gift, or to sign the online register book for Mrs. Lou Jean (Bates) Hillman.