June Goforth Cook Hilliard

Throughout her ministry, June served as Minister of Education and Programs at United Methodist churches in Clinton, Mississippi; Columbus, Mississippi; and Decatur, Georgia. She also served as Associate Pastor on the West Jackson Program Staff, at Crawford Street United Methodist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and at Galloway Memorial Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

A native of Columbus, Mississippi, June graduated with honors from Stephen D. Lee High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English from Mississippi University for Women. While at MUW, she was a member of the Lantern Honor Society and the Rogues and Black List social clubs. She was also recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman of America.

June went on to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Education from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Candler, she was elected Secretary of the Student Body and became the first woman to represent the School of Theology in the Emory University yearbook.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur Conard “A.C.” Cook, Jr.; her parents, Charles Theodore Goforth, Sr. and Mrs. Charles Theodore Goforth, Sr.; her brother, Col. Charles Theodore “Ted” Goforth, Jr., USAF; and her nephew, Charles T. “Teddy” Goforth III.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Shull Hilliard; her son, Alan Cook (Amanda), and their children, Drew Cook and Courtney Cook; and her son, Scott Cook (Mindi), and their sons, Jake Cook and Zac Cook, all of Madison, Mississippi. She is also survived by her niece, Gigi Goforth Dendy, and her twins, Evan and Leah, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and her stepson, Dr. Michael Green Cook (Janice), and their daughter Leah (Tia), and son, Michael (Claire), Janie, and Hannah.

June found great joy in traveling, reading, playing bridge, and, above all, spending time with Joe at Ono Island, Alabama, and supporting her grandchildren in all their endeavors. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America and especially loved visiting London and New York City to attend Broadway productions.

Above all, June was a woman of deep faith. She loved God wholeheartedly, possessed a wonderful sense of humor, and lived with a true servant’s heart. She was unwavering in her love and support for her family and friends. She often shared what she believed was the key to a wonderful life:

“Remember to share with those who need it, and love and serve God.”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.