Obituary of Barbara Jean Hildreth

Our beloved Barbara Jean Hildreth slept peacefully into eternity on Friday, July 31,2020 at St. Michael’s Speciality Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. Barbara was born on January 10, 1941 to the loving union of John and Thelma Palmer. Barbara accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of Providence Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois, until she retired and moved to Arkansas. Barbara became a member of St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas and did a beautiful job of singing in the choir and helping the church with whatever needed to be done. Barbara married her loving husband, Truman in Rockford. Barbara Jean’s Life Motto, “If I can help somebody, then my life will not be in vain.” Barbara taught school three years in Canton, Mississippi and thirty-four years in Rockford Public Schools. Barbara loved her students and believed that they could conquer the world! Barbara had a beautiful sweet spirit, a vibrant personality, and a beautiful “Palmer” smile that could light up a room. She was loved by many. In our family, she was our Sheroe. Barbara received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Jackson State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Lewis University. She was a member of the following organizations: The National Alliance of Black School Educators, Rockford Education Association, Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, the Magnolia Rotary Club(Paul Harris Fellow) and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She received many awards during her career, but the Selah Award for being an outstanding educator was a proud moment in her life. Barbara’s sweet spirit will live on in the loved ones she leaves behind...her loving husband Truman Hildreth, loving sisters, Dr. Deloris Palmer Henry(Dr. Grant Henry), Emily Palmer Lyles, Vicki Palmer Maddox, and a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, great nieces, cousins, former colleagues, and her sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents, devoted brothers John Palmer, Jr., Leroy Palmer, Lorenza Palmer, Joseph Palmer and loving nephews John Christopher Palmer and Isaac Josef Palmer. Barbara Jean will be sorely missed. Memorial Donations can be made in Barbara’s name to the following organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated Magnolia Alumnae Chapter Scholarship Fund PO Box 2222, Magnolia, AR 71754 St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund Magnolia, Arkansas Due to the constraints of Covid-19, and the vast number of friends and loved ones of Mrs. Barbara Hildreth, the funeral service will be private. The family thanks you all for your thoughts, prayers and understanding. Online guestbook available at www.hendersonsmortuary.com.