Fayrene Weesner "Fay" Hillyer

Fayrene "Fay" Weesner Hillyer, age 85, of Anahuac, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in Baytown, Texas, surrounded by her devoted husband, family and friends. Fay was born on February 18, 1940, to the late Clifton Phillip and Stella Zuma Weesner in Dallas, Texas.

Fay was a proud member of the W.W. Samuell High School Class of 1958. She continued her education at Lon Morris Junior College, earning her Associate's Degree in Voice in 1960. Her love of music, particularly her beautiful soprano voice, became one of the defining gifts she shared throughout her life.

On October 27, 1961, Fay married the love of her life, Rev. Eddie Heeth Hillyer. Together, they spent the next 64 years in ministry as part of the United Methodist Church, faithfully serving congregations across Texas. Fay and Eddie were members of First United Methodist Church in Liberty, Texas, and attended worship at First Methodist Church in Anahuac, Texas. Throughout their ministry, Fay's musical talent enriched many church services, whether she was singing, directing the choir, or playing piano when needed. She also served proudly as President of the United Methodist Women.

Fay was a woman of warmth, humor, and unmistakable candor-loving, caring, spiritual, supportive, tender-hearted, compassionate, and never one to "dillydally." She cherished her family deeply and delighted in singing at social events, knitting, sewing, crocheting, playing the domino game 42 with her husband, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She especially loved watching musicals, finding joy and inspiration in the stories and music she held dear.

Fay is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nanette Weesner; her brother and sister-in-law, Larry Martin Weesner and Basilla; her aunts, Naomi Davis, Charlie Ruth Weesner, and NellieMara Hampton; and her grandparents, Rev. Charles Henry Doak, Carrie Zuma Doak, Thurman Weesner and Nannie Weesner.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Eddie Heeth Hillyer; her sons, Eddie David Hillyer and James Gregory Hillyer; her daughter, Peggy Fayrene Lowe; her grandchildren, Eddie David Hillyer Jr., Brandon Wayne Hillyer, and Lena Nicole Turner; and seven great-grandchildren: Lilly Elizabeth Zaloom; Emma Hillyer; Marshall Hudson Hillyer; Jasper Hillyer; Lexi Nicole Turner; June Turner; and Tripp Lane Van Vickle. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and cherished friends.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, December 4th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Anahuac, Texas. A funeral service celebrating Fay's life will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Bill Stell officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie David Hillyer, Jr., Brandon Hillyer, Marty Weesner, Mike Weesner, Kenny Kathen, and Chris Stephenson. Fay will be laid to rest at Anahuac Cemetery.

Fay's legacy of music, faith, love, and unwavering devotion to her family and church community will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.