03/25/2026
In Loving Memory of
Hilda Ann Haymer Rucker
Sunrise: February 7, 1954
Sunset: March 8, 2026
Obituary
Hilda Ann Haymer Rucker, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her four daughters. She was born on February 7, 1954, in Benton, Mississippi, to her mother Lula Mae Deener, stepfather Roe Deener, and father Sylvester Clark (deceased). She was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Lillie Bell Haymer and Harry Haymer, whose guidance, faith, and steady presence shaped the foundation of her life.
Hilda accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age while attending Gailee M.B. Church, where her lifelong faith first took root. In the mid‑1970s, she married and moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she became the proud mother of her four daughters. She later moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where she united with Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and joyfully sang in the gospel choir. Upon relocating to Louisville, Kentucky, she became a devoted member of Cable Baptist Church, serving faithfully as an usher and continuing to share her gift of song in the choir.
She attended Lynnwood Elementary School and graduated from Benton High School in 1973. That same summer, she furthered her education at Draughon’s Business College, demonstrating her determination, ambition, and commitment to building a meaningful future.
A woman of courage and conviction, Hilda was part of the first class in Yazoo County to integrate schools, standing strong during a pivotal moment in civil rights history. She was a dedicated member of her high school band and a popular young woman known for her confidence, loyalty, and fierce protection of her younger brothers. As the oldest sibling, she stood tall for them—earning the nickname “Black Gal”—and never backed down when it came to family.
Hilda’s work ethic began early, starting in her teens at a family‑owned barbecue restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. She later dedicated more than a decade of her life to caring for others through her work at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she served as a nursing assistant. She eventually became a lead nursing assistant on the pediatrics and surgical floors, roles in which her compassion, patience, and steady presence touched countless lives. During this time, she formed lifelong friendships—women who became her sisters in Christ, supporting one another as mothers, friends, and prayer partners. Their bond remained unbroken by distance or time.
After moving to Louisville, Hilda worked for the United States Postal Service for several years. In 1990, she joined the University of Louisville as a psychiatric nursing assistant, where she built new friendships and continued her calling to care for others until her retirement.
Following retirement, Hilda embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and became the proud owner of Emily Dreams Wedding Planning, where her creativity, eye for décor, and love for beautiful celebrations shined.
Hilda lived in Benton, Yazoo City, Jackson Mississippi, Chicago, and Louisville, touching lives everywhere she went. She cherished her family deeply—especially her grandchildren, whom she taught to bake, create, and imagine. She always had a special project ready for them, filling their lives with joy, learning, and love.
A private and selective woman, Hilda loved deeply and trusted carefully. If she let you into her heart, you knew it was real. She loved to travel, and cruising was her favorite way to see the world. She had a natural gift for decorating—whether for her home or for events—and she was a true music lover. From soul and old‑school R&B to The Temptations and Charlie Wilson, music filled her days. But nothing compared to her love for band music, especially Jackson State University, where she dreamed of seeing her youngest daughter become a Jr. J‑SET.
Hilda was preceded in death by her brother Rayfield Williams. She is survived by her daughters Roshunder Rucker, Kirie Rucker, Tora Rucker (Arnold Gay), and Rasheedah Rucker; her mother Lula Mae Deener, her brothers Gary Williams (Marcella Williams), Terry Williams, Edwin Deener, and cousin‑brother Ronald Burton (Alfreda Burton); a host of grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends who became family.
Her legacy of strength, faith, love, and resilience will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.
Memorial Services
Sunday, March 29, 2029
12:30 PM
Baldwin‑Lee Funeral Home
3780 Highway 80 East
Pearl, Mississippi 39208
Celebration of Life
Sunday, March 29, 2026
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel – JR Ballroom
2200 Refuge Boulevard
Flowood, Mississippi 39232
Acknowledgments
The family of Hilda Ann Haymer Rucker wishes to express their deepest gratitude for every prayer, call, visit, and act of kindness shown during this time of loss. Your love and support have brought comfort and strength.
Final Tribute
“Her life was a blessing,
Her memory a treasure,
She is loved beyond words”
