Rev. Joel P. Hilbun

He was born on April 2, 1929, in Ellisville, Mississippi to Rev. Bruce Sharp Hilbun and Cammie Vivian Miller Hilbun. He met the love of his life, Lurline, while attending Mississippi College. Together they were active in the Baptist Student Union and the Volunteer Mission Band. Joel earned his degree in Psychology in 1951, one week after marrying Lurline. That same year, he was ordained into the gospel ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama.

In 1955, Joel graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and began a lifelong ministry. His pastorates included: Center Ridge Baptist, Carmichael, MS (1951-1953); Associate Pastor and Music Director, Calvary Baptist, Mobile, AL (1953-1955); Pastor, Magnolia Baptist Church, Saline, LA (1955-1957); Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Winn Parish, LA (1955-1957); Pastor, First Baptist Church, Gueydan, LA (1957-1971); Pastor, Victoria Baptist Church, Baton Rouge (1971-1986), Pastor, Church of the Nations, Baton Rouge, LA (1996-1998), Senior Pastor, Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA (2007-2020) and Pastor Emeritus, Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA (2020-2025). Joel was a warm, compassionate, and humble pastor who demonstrated God’s love for his congregation. He had a deep love & burden for the lost and for people of other cultures & from all walks of life. Most importantly, God’s word was His guide and authority.

In addition to his pastoral work, Joel served as Director of Missions and Ministry, Seaman’s Center Director and Language Missions and Ministry Director for Judson Baptist Association (1981-1995). He also assisted churches statewide through the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s Capital Funds Campaign.

Later in life, Joel started sharing daily devotionals on Facebook through Word from the Word, a ministry that reached and inspired many. He faithfully posted until shortly before Lurline’s passing, when he lovingly devoted his time to her care.

Joel and Lurline shared a heart for missions and served internationally in Honduras, Russia and Barbados. Joel also completed three mission trips to India, training pastors and preaching with Universal Concern.

Joel (known as Pop to his grandchildren) was known for his quick wit, funny jokes and love of a good prank—especially on his children, grandchildren and his cherished Lurlie. His laughter was contagious, and people couldn't help but smile when he was around. Joel had a big heart and lived his faith daily, sharing God’s love and shining His light into the lives of everyone he met.

He is survived by son Joel D. Hilbun (Henrietta) of Scott, LA; daughters Kaye Smith (Al) of Central, LA; and Joy Mohr (Jeff) of Bush, LA; grandchildren, David, Michael (Lauren) and Kevin Hilbun; Stephanie Rojas (Ely), Michelle Callender, Katie Smith, Lindsey Liles (Shane); David, Jonathan, Benjamin and Bayli Mohr; great-grandchildren, Taylor Callender, Will Catton, Alexander Martel and Nora, Clara and Myra Liles; brother, Robert (Gail) Hilbun of Laurel, MS; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Mohr, David, Michael, Lauren and Kevin Hilbun, Lindsey and Shane Liles, and Katie Smith.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, beginning at 9:30am at Greenoaks Funeral Home. A brief graveside service to follow at 10:30am with Pastor Nguyễn Trọng Vinh officiating. Interment will be at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28, at 10:30 am at the Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church located at 7133 Greenwell Springs Road, Baton Rouge.

The family would like to express thanks to family and friends for their continued love & prayers. A special thanks to Bernice Williams for her loving care of Dad/Pop while he was hospitalized in the last week of his life.