Mrs. Sharon Hillis, 78, of McMinnville passed away on January 18, 2025. She was a native of McMinnville born on December 23, 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles C. Womack and Oma Lea (Rhea) Womack, her husband Eddie Hillis, brother, Ronnie Womack and sister, Dixie Martin.
She is survived by her son, Trent Hillis and daughter, Angie (Kenny) Doak both of McMinnville, grandchildren, Shelby Lea Hillis, Lindzey Hillis, Ethan Hillis, Kayla Doak, and Jeremiah Doak, step-grandson, Nathan (Brittany) George, great grandchildren, Preston Wanamaker, Harper Moore, and Miah Doak, and several other relatives.
Life post WWII held a lot of challenges and opportunities. Although people in the rural areas still had a hard time finding regular work they did know how to pull together and take care of each other. Families were tight knit and did what it took to survive. The Womack family was no exception. Her parents received a early Christmas gift, a beautiful baby girl.
Early on she and Eddie’s paths crossed. It wasn’t long before the love bug bit them, and they decided to get married. She tied the knot and fell right into her role as a wife. They made a perfect couple, both quiet, reserved, and content to be at home. When they did go out you could rest assured, she wasn’t going out in pajamas. When they left the house, they were fully dressed and put together. Occasionally, they would get away to Gatlinburg to rekindle their love.
In the years that followed they were blessed with two children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were the icing on the cake. In true Southern fashion she cooked good old home cooking. When those family get togethers happened there could have easily been a fight for the last helping of her dressing. One of the traditions the grandchildren looked forward to was being in the kitchen helping her bake banana bread. Seeing them come over always lit a special spark in her eyes and a warm place in her heart. She took great pride in helping love and nurture her grandchildren and great grandchildren. No, wasn’t a word she would use when it came to whether she would be able to watch one or all of them for a day, night, or a week. She was ready, willing and able to have them any and every time.
Taking care of her family always took top priority for her. Having her home neat as a pin and things in order was the way. Cleaning was a stress relief for her and a way to bless others. Often, she would go to family and friend’s homes and lend a hand with her special touch to set their homes straight. Her talents weren’t limited inside the home. It gave her great peace to be outside enjoying God’s creation in her own yard. She had a special love for hummingbirds. Seeing them zip around and hoover to eat never seemed to get old. Her flower garden was a special place. She enjoyed the simple beauty of morning glories as her favorites over roses or other more refined flowers.
Throughout her life she held a strong faith and belief in God. She enjoyed worshiping with her church family at Bonner Church of Christ. That faith helped her through her own unique struggles in life. Eddie suffered from health issues, and she was right there when he needed her help and loving hands to do what he couldn’t. In her later years dementia began to take hold on her mind. The day her beloved Eddie passed away, the stress of losing him coupled with dementia caused her to decline.
The once strong and determined matriarch of the family needed the help of God and her family to care for her. Her legacy and spirit will live on with the foundation of love she left them. Every time they use her recipe for banana bread, see a hummingbird, her memory will be renewed.
The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff of Willow Branch Healthcare and Rehabilitation and Gentiva Hospice for their support and loving care.
A service with be announced at a later date. Memorial donations are requested to assist with expenses through Gentry-Smith Funeral Home. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.