Joanne Ruth Hillman

Joanne Ruth Mayfield Hillman, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at her home in The Woodlands, Texas, surrounded by loving family members and friends and wrapped in a blanket of prayers.

Born in Canton, Kansas on January 22, 1935 to Frank and Merle Mayfield, Joanne graduated from Guymon (Oklahoma) High School, Class of 1952. She had one older brother, Mickey. Later in 1952 Joanne married Jack Shandley, Jr. He was in the Air Force and they relocated frequently including spending 3 years in Japan. They had two children Jack Michael and Crystal Ann. Joanne and Jack were married 20 years before they divorced in 1972.

Joanne fell in love and married Tommy Hillman on February 1, 1973. They lived happily in “Hillmanville” off Dickinson Bayou in San Leon, Texas for 13+ years. Joanne worked side-by-side with Tommy at Hillman Marine, bringing it from a pocketbook business into the computer age. In 1977, after fostering 5 children, Joanne and Tommy adopted their son Robert. Along with Robert, there were always multiple grandchildren, and pets, running around at the Hillmans’. It was a lively household, filled with love and you could always find Joanne and Tommy together!

In the years following Tommy’s passing in 1986, Joanne went on to live at, and manage, Hidden Manna, a Christian retreat in New Waverly, Texas. She became a published author of Christian historical fiction, devotionals, Christian children’s books and historical fiction about life in Kansas. Joanne was a woman of many talents including quilting, cooking and writing, but most of all serving as a witness for Christ. She impacted countless lives during her years through writers’ groups, children’s puppet ministries, leading sing-a-longs at nursing homes, ministering to girls at Gulf Coast Trades Center and teaching Sunday School at The Crossing Church. There are many people whose lives have been changed by Joanne Hillman and those testimonies will be carried forward by generations to come. No one could ever doubt Joanne’s strong faith in Jesus.

She loved her family well and was known to many as Grandma Joanne, Gigi, and Mom. And this woman loved to play Boggle! Joanne is survived by her children: Jack Michael (Beth) Shandley, Crystal Ann Markham, and Robert Alan (Shea) Hillman, her bonus Hillman sons - Wilson (Renee), Clifford (Darla), and Melvin, 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren – with more to come!

The family would like to thank many, many friends who have helped Joanne and Crystal over the years - in ways too numerous to count. A special thank you to Shari Lancaster who helped Joanne in her final days, making sure that she was comfortable and was not in pain. Also, to Elara Caring Hospice organization - amazing individuals who went above and beyond in all they did. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) at texascasa.org.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Joanne at The Crossing Church in The Woodlands, 6265 Shadow Bend Pl Spring, TX 77381, on Tuesday, August 5th at 4:00pm.

A visitation for Joanne will be held on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home, located at 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on August 6th, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery. A reception will follow on August 6th, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the same venue.