Joyce Hillin

Joyce Marie Reeves Hillin, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Kountze, Texas. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Jean Hillin, and her siblings John Reeves, Judy Blackmon, and Janet Harris. 

Born on November 11, 1938, Joyce lived a life marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep love for education and family. A proud graduate of East Texas Baptist College, Joyce pursued her calling as an elementary school teacher, spending over 30 years shaping young minds in Houston, Taft, Goodrich, Onalaska, and Port Arthur, Texas. She was especially passionate about literacy, believing deeply in the power of reading to transform lives. Her classroom was a place of warmth, learning, and inspiration, and her influence remains in the hearts of countless students whose lives she touched. 

After retiring from teaching, Joyce continued to share her love of learning with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were frequent recipients of bedtime stories, educational games, and her unending encouragement. She had a gift for making books come alive and instilled a lasting appreciation for reading in the generations that followed her. 

Outside the education, Joyce found great joy in her garden. She nurtured it with the same love she gave her students and family, creating a haven for butterflies and hummingbirds—two of her favorite visitors. Her garden was not just a place of beauty but a symbol of the life she cultivated: full of color, growth, and gentle care. 

Joyce is survived by her brother, Jerry Reeves; her beloved children: Tawnya Hillin-Smith, Tiffany and James Robbins, and Walter Hillin; her grandchildren: James and Alex Robbins III, David and Ale Robbins, Carl and Leti Smith, and Jacob Smith; her great-grandchildren: Eevee Robbins, Elton Robbins, and Ellie Robbins; and extended family members. She was deeply proud of her family and cherished every moment spent with them. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a scholarship which is awarded to an education major, honoring Joyce's lifelong devotion to learning. Donations can be made online at evangel.edu/advancement. In the Gift Info section, specify your amount. In the Designation box below that, specify the Bessye Hillin Memorial Endowment E37032. Donations can also be mailed to Evangel University Advancement Office, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65802. 

Joyce Marie Reeves Hillin will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering dedication to teaching, and her boundless love for her family. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched. 

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