Sharon Lee Hillyard

Sharon Lee Hillyard, 80, of St. Jacob, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She was born on March 7, 1944 in East St. Louis to Edward and Lois (Beard) Nesbit. She married the love of her life, Gerald Hillyard, September 26, 1964. She enjoyed her career as an administrator at Fontbonne University in Clayton, MO. One of her greatest joys was dancing, especially with her husband, in their younger years. Sharon had a love for the sun and being outdoors, which was evident by her passion for living on a lake. She lived on a lake in Granite City, Greenville and in Keyesport on Carlyle Lake. Sharon had a green thumb and took pride in her beautiful flowers and tending to her yard. She loved her family dearly, especially her 2 boys, Cody and Cory and her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. Her family always knew they could count on her for unconditional love and guidance. Sharon will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kind heart will forever be remembered and cherished. May her spirit continue to shine brightly through the memories we shared with her.

Surviving to cherish her memory include her son, Cody (Tonya Bauer) Hillyard; grandchildren, Ashley Hillyard, Amanda (CJ) Johnson, Autum Hillyard, Jordan (Kendal) Bauer, Josh (Alicia) Bauer and Dallas Hillyard; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Paulette Nesbit and nieces, Cathey (Greg) Larson and Laura (Bob) Briddle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Hillyard; son, Cory Hillyard and brother, Edward Nesbit Jr.

A private family service will be held with interment to follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of memorial donations, please consider planting a tree in honor of Sharon to keep her memory alive and create a symbol of her legacy. This can be done at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com