Marilyn Hilliard

Marilyn Hilliard was born February 20, 1944, to Walter and Erma Breedlove.  She passed peacefully on June 15, 2019, at LRHMC.  Marilyn was born in Indiana, and loved to tap dance as a girl.  As a teen, she moved with her family to Blytheville, Arkansas.  After high school, she attended Arkansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  She started her four-decade nursing career at the hospital in Blytheville, where she worked for several years. Marilyn worked for a short time at LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, before moving to Lakeland, Florida, and joining the staff at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Department.  She was a dedicated nurse, often serving as a mentor to others, and earning much respect from her patients and coworkers as "one of the all-time best".  After suffering a stroke, she left the hospital setting and began working in pediatric home health, working with patients that she so adored.  Though retired for several years, she held priceless memories of some very special patients and experiences from her career. 

Marilyn's parents and brother, William "Bill" Breedlove, each passed in previous years. She is survived by her daughter, Angie Atteberry (David Jr.), and two granddaughters, Emily and Amanda Atteberry, all of Blytheville, Arkansas.  She also leaves her special fur baby, Gizmo "Gizzy", who has moved to Arkansas with the family. 

Following her wishes, the family has opted to keep services private, with David Russell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. They also wish to extend a sincere thanks to Polk County Sheriff's office, Lakeland Regional Emergency Department, and EMT's along with VISTE and area Meals on Wheels.  The Good Shepard Hospice and LRHMC Palliative Care Unit staff members provided exemplary care to Marilyn and her loved ones during her final days.  Their caring and devotion to patient and family needs far exceeded expectations. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorials be made to the Children's Hospital, Animal Shelter, or charity of your choosing. 
 

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