John Hillard, Sr.

On May 7, 1988, a beautiful set of twins were born to David and Dorianna (Peterson) Hilliard. The eldest, John Thomas Hilliard, was named after his Great-Grandfather, and Joshua (Josh), his twin, was born soon thereafter. Throughout much of their lives the twins were inseparable, and each had the other’s back. John accepted Christ, as Lord of His life at an early age under the pastorate of his Grandfather, the late Rev. Clarence L. Hilliard, Senior Pastor of Austin Corinthian Baptist Church (ACBC), who also baptized him.

John (a.k.a., “Just John”), was well-liked by those who knew him because of his genuine zest for life! He also maintained a positive attitude throughout his short time with us, and despite very challenging health issues. During his teen years he developed serious gastric problems which kept him in and out of the hospital, but he refused to be handicapped by these setbacks and persevered! His persistence was inspirational to others who faced their own struggles, including his grandmother, Annie Hilliard, who calls him today, “Her favorite Grandson” which he also nobly reminded her of since he telephoned “Granny” regularly. Last month on Memorial Day, John and his family, for the first time in many years, chose to spend that holiday at “Granny’s” house, and she is grateful to God for allowing her to see him one more time before calling him home!

John was a natural athlete and wrestling was his primary sport. Since he and Josh were close in size, they had ready-made wrestling partners, which only made them better. He participated in Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) events, and took 2nd place in a tournament while in 7th grade. He and Josh also wrestled for Proviso East and John earned trips to the state wrestling tournament in his Senior years. He and Josh also wrestled for Nassau Community College on Long Island, NY, before ultimately retiring.

John and Josh had a passion for trucks and at a very young age they had a dream to start their own trucking firm. This dream became a reality in 2014 when David Jr. (another Brother), his Dad, and his Uncle Phil began operating under the name, Da Boyz Trucking LLC. Unfortunately, and due to circumstances beyond their control, the firm was forced to close. John remained a trucker until his untimely death and was an active member of the 2doornation Trucker’s Club.

John loved his family, and many thought of him as the glue that held them together, as well as the bridge that connects his generation with previous generations. Many also looked at him as big-hearted, supportive, funny, and the life of the party. He had a penchant for making his immediate family, as well as, nieces and nephews, feel special. To know him was to love him, so the void he leaves behind will be felt by many!

John met his soul-mate Shawanna Powell while in high school, and they were eventually married, September 7, 2018. God blessed them with four lovely children: Xyla, Xoie, John Jr., and Jordynn, and because of God’s grace, another child to be named Xuri, is due in August.

Just John departed this life on June 9, 2023 due to a tragic accident while unloading a truck, and leaves to mourn his lovely wife and children; his parents: Rev. David Hilliard (Sharon), and Dorianna Hilliard; Grandparents: Annie Hilliard and Beverly Peterson; Siblings and their spouses and children: David Hilliard Jr. (Susana) and Dalila, Laila, and Jadyn; Daniel Hilliard (Lavett) and Semiya, Daniel Jr., Jeremiah, Jasmine , Taylor, Starr, Elijah, and Noah; Joshua Hilliard (Chante) and Joshua Jr., Ja`leah, Jayla, Jias, Jyiah, and Jace Thomas (who is due to be born next month); and Caleb the baby of the family; In-Laws: Nancy V. Smith, Vincent Smith, Roman Venson, and Yvette Powell; Sibling Cousins and their children: Qianna Foster and Tyanna; and Morelle Foster and Mariah, Molivia, and Maleah; and a whole host of aunts, uncles, cousins, god-brothers and sisters, and countless relatives in his extended family.

God allowed John to shine His light on us through John, so it is up to us to keep God’s light shining on others so that others can see Jesus through us, and become acquainted with Jesus for themselves!

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