Hilyer, Ethel Dean “Grandgirl”, a resident of Rockford, Alabama passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Hilyer, parents, Vilas O’Neal White and Valula Olene Downs, brother, James O’Neal White, and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Joanna Byrd.

The family will receive friends, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. Funeral will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Hardy and Rev. Paul Shaw officiating. She will lie in state from 1:00 pm until time for service. Burial will follow at Swamp Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Terry White, Todd White, Troy White, Chad White, Travis White and Jeremy White. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Sims, Eddie Kelley, Bud Hilyer, Mike Hilyer, and Rick Hilyer.

She loved to read and cook for her family. She loved to have a lot of family and friends around and loved to play card games and watch Alabama football.

She is survived by her children Sheila Ward, Jackie (Becki) Hilyer, and Doyle (Kim) Hilyer; grandchildren
Leslie (Michael) Wells, Beverly (Keith) Hay, Charlene (Tres) Nickolson, and Jason (Kelli) Hilyer; step grandchildren Hannah (Heath) Jackson, Hilary (Tyler) Glass, and Erin (Sarah) Thornton; great
grandchildren Bailey (Alex) Bowen, Jacob (Emily) Byrd, Olivia (Kirklin Newsome) Hay, Reed (Grace) Nickolson, Chaz (Kate) Nickolson, Eden Nickolson, and Keira Hilyer; step great grandchildren Abbie Wells, Alex Wells, Chaise (Gwen) Hay, Courtlyn Hay, Harper Thornton, and Hayden Jackson; great great grandchildren Ava Nickolson, Charly Nickolson, Wren Nickolson, and great great grandson due in September; step great great grandchildren Kale Hay, Liam Hay, Harper Hay, and Tre’Lynn Tucker.

Flowers are welcome or other contributions can be sent to Swamp Creek Cemetery, 1714 Coosa County Road 3, Rockford, AL 35136.