Kathleen Royse Hilliard

Kathleen Royse Hilliard, 84, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at The Suncoast Woodside Hospice House in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born in Middle Tennessee, Kathleen lived most of her life in Chattanooga and graduated from Central High School in 1944. She also resided in Knoxville, Tenn. from 2003 to October 2010 when she and her husband, James, moved to their son's home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Kathleen was a member of Tyner United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. In her younger years she was employed by Railway Express and Dunn & Bradstreet. Her passion was her family. She was a consummate homemaker and a loving mother and wife. She will be remembered for her happy and bright spirit and her love of life.

She was preceded in death by parents E.I. Royse and Irene Royse. Survivors include her husband of 66 years, James F. Hilliard; son, James E. Hilliard (St. Petersburg); daughter, Lynn Hobbs Williams and her husband Jerry Williams (Knoxville); Grandson Jason Hobbs and wife Melody Hobbs; two great grand children Turner Hobbs and Kinsey Kay Hobbs; Sister and brother in law Betty and Don Jenkins (Cleveland); Brother, Kenneth Royse and his wife Paulette Royse (Chattanooga); many nieces and nephews; and long time friends in Chattanooga and Knoxville.

The family will receive friends at 1:30 PM on Sunday, October 2 at Chapel of Devotion in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hixson, TN. A service will follow at 2 PM with Rev. Dale Lovelady officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760.

Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel, Hixson, TN.