Ethel Mae Hillsman

Ethel Mae Hillsman 1931-2017 Ethel Mae Hillsman was born on July 12, 1931 in Phillippe, Tennessee to George and Isabella Kinney. She departed this life on Monday, August 28, 2017 at home surrounded by her family that she loved so dearly. She worked as a Head Press Operator at Continental Laundry for 19 years. She has also been a Head Cook. Most importantly, she has always been all about her big family. She loved children and helped raise so many. Bigma was a mother, father, grandmother, friend, and confidant. The love she had in her heart was undeniable and her presence in our lives is irreplaceable. Bigma, Ethel, Mama, or whatever name endearingly chosen will truly be missed.  She leaves to cherish her memory: her siblings: Allen Kinney (Hazel) and L.J. Kinney (Ruby) of Kentucky, Rose (Acie) Pickett of (Illinois) and Ben Kinney. Her children: Velma (Gregory) Bowman of Alabama, Diane Hillsman, Donnell Hillsman and Teresa Herron (Ollie) of Chicago, Berniece (Edward) Dean, and Freddie Hillsman of Michigan. She was Bigma (grandmother) to 29 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. There are also numerous friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Her parents George & Isabella Kinney preceded her in death as well as 11 siblings: Robert Kinney (Fannie), C.L. Kinney (Carrie Lee), Lillian Pearson, Lucille Brown (Fenner), Lillie Butcher and Josephine Rodgers (Bud). In addition, her eldest daughter Ernestine Hillsman and 4 grandchildren: Michael Hillsman, Darius Hillsman, Donnell Hillsman Jr., and Destiny Hillsman-Johnson, preceded her in death.