Obituary of Hillary Ballard

On Thursday June 15, 2023, heaven opened to receive another angel. Affectionately known by her family as “Hill Ler Ree”.

Hillary Nicole Ballard was born on August 15, 1972, at Meharry/ Hubbard Hospital in Nashville Tennessee to Hayden E. and Carlotta L. Dennis Ballard. Their second bundle of joy, beloved by her “big” sister Angela Lynn Ballard.

Hillary was educated in the Jefferson City, KY school system attending Alex R. Kennedy Elementary, Barret Traditional Middle School and Louisville Male Traditional High School. After graduating from high school Hillary continued her education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, earning a degree in Sociology. She then entered a career in pharmaceutical/ medical sales.

Hillary growing up enjoyed being a Brownie Scout, Girl Scout and ballerina. Her favorite was winning a city-wide coloring contest. Now she was “the artist”. Hillary was a Jack and Jill Debutant. She worked on both high school and college yearbook committees.

Hillary used her background in science to land her first job at Pharmaceutical and Upjohn. She then took a position at Johnson & Johnson in medical device sales in Raleigh, NC. She was transferred and returned to Nashville, TN.  Hillary earned several professional accolades throughout her career while being a National Sales Network member.

Hillary as soft spoken as she was, the love for her sister was as loud as a tuba playing “I will follow where you lead”.

Her smile was contagious in that it would make you smile. She will be remembered as that caring, charming, gentle, generous, witty, kind young lady who laughed easily.

Hillary’s journey was not an easy one, but she powered through without complaint. Without thought to her own challenges, she selflessly cared for her mom and dad. She loved and was loved.

Shopping was a passion of hers. Even during Covid, when instore shopping was unavailable, they could not stop our Hillary.

She was proceeded by her Grandmothers Lora E. Dennis (Jackie), Merrelene Ballard Dickerson and. Her grandfathers William Henry Dennis (Chippy), Horace C. Dickerson ( Daddy Horace), Hayden E. Ballard Sr. Aunts Pamela E. Dennis-Henderson, Ewania R. Dennis Harris (Ray), Christy Smith. Uncles William Dennis (Brunnie), Ronnie C. Peoples, Rev. Inman E. Otey Sr, John Ballard, and Robert Ballard.

She leaves to cherish Hillary’s many wonderful memories her mother Carlotta Laverne Ballard, father Hayden Eugene Ballard Jr., sister Angela Lynn Ballard. Aunts Velma Dennis Otey, Joyce Dennis Peoples , Sheila Dennis William. Many, many loving first and second cousins, and friends.   

Please keep the Ballard family in your thoughts and prayers.