Inez Hillman

Maggie Inez Wilcox Hillman, 92, of Plainview, Texas passed after a brief illness on March 27, 2024.   Inez was the fifth of eight children born on the family farm in Bivens, Texas on April 11, 1931, to Eunice Mae and James Orval Wilcox.

Inez grew up in the piney woods of East Texas during hard times.  The Depression and World War II shaped her life-long values of determination and a strong work ethic.  She was a good student and excelled at sports, graduating from McLeod High School in 1948.

After working in Shreveport for a year, she met her soulmate, Royce Hillman, on a blind date on Valentine’s Day.  They were married just three months later on May 14, 1949.  In 1953, Royce and Inez moved their young family to West Texas to embark on a farming career that spanned over 50 years.  Together they weathered the storms and side-by-side toiled with an appreciation for the tranquil beauty and the bounty of country life.

Inez was a woman of many talents and interests.  She was deeply devoted to her family, friends, and faith and she led with a quiet confidence, resourcefulness, and can-do spirit.  She was a phenomenal cook and a master gardener.  Inez shared her prolific gardens with countless friends and neighbors and extended the fresh flavors throughout the year by freezing, canning, and pickling all the excess produce.  Her homemade “Mamo Pickles” were a favorite among her grandchildren for decades.  As a long-term member of First Baptist Church in Plainview, she served in various youth and nursery positions over the years.  She enjoyed family gatherings and reunions, traveling in their motorhome, fishing, photography, competitive games, and listening and dancing to the music of the Big Band era.

As an empty nester, Inez pursued her passion to become a nurse and obtained her license as a vocational nurse in 1974.  She also obtained a realtor’s license and took piano lessons.  At the age of 75, Inez accepted a position with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.  She truly found her niche in working with the volunteers and community and especially cherished playing Mrs. Claus at the annual Breakfast with Santa event.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Royce of 64 years; sisters Marie Wilcox, Josephine Clayton, Dorothy Armstreet, Eunice Perry, and Nora Lee Owens; brother James Wilcox; son-in-law Joe D. Walters; grandchildren Elizabeth Dorrity and 2^nd Lt Patrick Wayland, USMC; and great-granddaughter Circe O’Neill.

Survivors include her brother Charles R. Wilcox, her son John R. Hillman and wife Kathy; daughters Carole Hillman Wayland and husband David and Kay Hillman Walters; grandchildren Marshall and Michael Hillman, Holly Hillman Smith, Meagan Wayland O’Neill, Lisa Wayland, Katy Dorrity Christy, and Clayton and Jacob Dorrity; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great, great-grandson.

Inez donated her body to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences.  She always believed in giving of oneself for the health and happiness of others.  A celebration of her life will be held at Combest Family Funeral Homes in Lubbock at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 18, 2024.