Brenda Sue Hillyer

Brenda Sue (Spears) Hillyer, 74, of Jonesboro, departed this life on Saturday, October 11, 2025. She was born to the late Louis and Elfie Spears in Harrisburg, AR, on February 16, 1951.

Brenda was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she embraced each role with a fierce love and loyalty. Known affectionately as “MiMi,” she adored her five grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Brenda faithfully served alongside her husband Jim in ministry for many years, and she brought the same commitment and dedication to her work as an administrator at an eye clinic. Brenda could dazzle you with her cooking, and she loved preparing delicious meals and treats for those she held dear. Brenda’s legacy is one of a deep sense of dedication to her faith, family and work, quiet strength, and a heart that always made room for others.

Brenda is survived by her daughters: Amy Elrod (Russ) and Brittany Hillyer; sister Geraldine Gibbs; mother-in-law Marie Hillyer; sister-in-law June Somers-Caudill; brother-in-law Larry Caudill; grandchildren Emma and Ethan Elrod and Vivian, Patrick, and Eleanor Kincaid; and many nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.

Brenda is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Jim Hillyer—who she has missed so much every day since March 2020; her parents Louis and Elfie Spears; her brothers Louis Edward ‘L.E.’ Spears and Larry Spears; her sister Debbie Spears Austin; two brothers-in-law Kelly Austin and Ray Gibbs.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14, from 5:00-7:00 at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Her service will be on Wednesday, October 15, at 1:30 at Emerson Funeral home, and will be officiated by the family’s dear friend Reverend Royce Schanda.

Pallbearers will be Russ Elrod, Brett Kincaid, Ethan Elrod, Chad Spears, and Jeremy Spears.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Spurlock and Brian Gibbs.