Marilyn Hillman

Marilyn Jean Hillman, 80 Years old of Southwest Louisville KY, passed away on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at Hosparus Inpatient Healthcare Center, in Louisville, KY at the Norton Pavilion. Marilyn was born on November 5th,1945, in Louisville, Kentucky to the late George Franklin Dotts Sr. and Mary DeLena Steele Dotts. Marilyn retired from Circuit City Distribution Center many years ago, she previously worked for NPC in Louisville and spent part of her early career as a working mother, in various roles at Beth Haven Christian School.

Marilyn and her husband Charles (Sonny) of 54 years enjoyed packing up their camper and heading to Rough River Lake to stay as often and as long as they could. Camping and the fellowship that came along with it brought Marilyn more joy than just about anything, aside from spending time with her family. Marilyn’s favorite thing in life was her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spending time with all those that she loved.

Marilyn loved fiercely and met any challenge with her head up, a smile on her face and the attitude that we all knew and loved her for. She lived her life to the fullest each day and was an inspiration to all that knew her. The multitude of friends, family and amazing healthcare providers watched in awe as she battled and conquered cancer not once, but twice in her lifetime. The first being midway through life in the 80’s, and the second battle, just recently in 2023-2024. Although her battle with this disease was not what ultimately took her from us, we walked with her and marveled at the example of strength and determination that we witnessed. Marilyn not only leaned on her strong, steadfast faith in God as she walked with him throughout these challenges, but she also displayed the importance of cherishing every moment, as she never took anything or anyone for granted. She lived every day of life with joy, appreciation, heartfelt actions, all while reminding us of the importance of purposefully spoken words. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her only sister, Elizabeth Marie Dotts, her infant grandson Brandon Lee Emmett, the father of her great granddaughter Joseph M. Ware, and her dear, sweet sister's in law, Mary Lou Stiles (Malcom), Sue Ella Creech (Owen), Barbara Ann Kelly (Matt), Peggy Joyce Gross (John), Carolyn Sue O'Leary (Mike) and Shiela Dotts (Joe). She is survived by, her husband of 54 unforgettable years, Charles (Sonny) Hillman, her soulmate and confidant that she spent an amazing 60 years in all as a couple. She is also survived by three daughters, Tina Emmett, Christine Jacobs (Eric), and Laura Priddy,(Robert) and one of her and Sonny’s dearest friends in life, Mike Dryden.

She was blessed and survived by ten Grandchildren; Brittany Emmett, Chandler Render (Lindsey Kempf), Maranda Jacobs, Donald "Bryce" Jacobs (Madison), Damon Hillman, Justin “Sam” Hillman, Paul Raque (Samantha), Justin Priddy (Sami), George Priddy (Holden), Kolten Grayson, a bonus eleventh whom she loved like her own, Emily Keown, and nine Great Grandchildren; Delena Emmett, Andrew "A.J." Porter, Adam Porter, Vera Elaine Jacobs, Milo Lee Jacobs, Naliyah Ann Marie Raque, Paul Andrew Raque Jr., Jessica Jean Priddy, and Emerissa Jayde Priddy.

Marilyn is also survived by all four of her loving brothers, George Dotts (Vicki), Jim Dotts (Vickie), Joe Dotts, and Bob Dotts (Nadine).

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Advantage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 10907 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, Kentucky, 40272.

The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the same venue with visiting prior to service.

The committal will take place at Bethany Memorial Cemetery, located at 10917 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY, 40272 following the funeral service.