Mary Lois (James) Hilliard

Mary Lois James Hilliard, 85, of Asheville, NC passed away peacefully on September 30, 2022.

She was born at home near Maxton, NC to the late Marshall Prince James Sr. and Mary Lois McRae James, and is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Roney Alvius Hilliard III (Jennifer Emory Hilliard), Marshall Prince James HIlliard (Stephanie Cole Hilliard), and Alexander McRae Hilliard (Lori Beland Hilliard); as well as seven grandchildren: Marshall Prince James Hilliard Jr., Andrew Scott Hilliard, Parker Robinson Hilliard, Maryworth Patterson Hilliard, Preston Paisley Hilliard, Fairly Patterson Hilliard, and Hinton James Emory Hilliard.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roney Alvius “Chip” Hilliard Jr, brother Marshall Prince James Jr., and sister Sally McRae James Bass.

Mary Lois was a graduate of Salem College where she served as Senior Class President. She retired from Estes Elementary School in Skyland, NC after teaching for 25 years.

She was a member of the French Broad Garden Club for 50 years, and was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Asheville.

“Loli” loved the annual Hilliard Family week at Holden Beach even more than she enjoyed Tar Heel basketball.

A lifelong member of The Presbyterian Church, she joined First Presbyterian Church of Asheville in 1961 where there was a memorial service in celebration of her life on Tuesday, October 4th at 11:00 a.m. The family received guests in the Fellowship Hall immediately following. A private graveside service will be held in Maxton, NC.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the family locally.