Frances “Annette” Gilliland of Hooks, Texas went to rest away from this world on May 14, 2024. She passed peacefully at a local hospital. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on June 16, 1939 and attended Lake Hamilton schools. Annette is now reunited with those cherished ones who preceded her in passing: husband Leslie Gilliland, daughter Lee Ann Wright, father John Brown, mother Eva Nichols, and sister Carolyn Cockrell, as well as other family members and friends. She is survived and remembered with infinite love by her children Stephen Huxtable, Tony Cottrell, Gerald “JD” Huxtable, Cyndi Morris, Marc Gilliland, Beverly “Diana” Howard; her 24 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many more family members and friends. She was a strong and beautiful woman, and while the richness of her life cannot be fully illustrated here, the most brilliant aspect was undoubtedly her family. They meant everything to her, and her 84 years of life saw her as a fiercely loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, daughter, and sister. She also found joy in traveling, seeking adventure, and riding her motorcycle. Before she retired, she was a substitute teacher who brightened the lives of her students during her time with them. Although this loss is immeasurable, Annette will live on through countless precious memories and colorful stories, a blessing never to be forgotten. In lieu of a public memorial service, the family wishes to hold a private celebration of her life, but deepest condolences go out to all others who loved her during her many years here—may they, too, remember her well. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” -John 14:1-4
