Hilda Lightfoot Dejoie

1927 - 2024

Reverend Hilda Lightfoot Dejoie transitioned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. She was 96 years old. Reverend Hilda Lightfoot Dejoie was the mother of Ebenezer Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA and a pillar in her community. Born on December 13, 1927 to the late Willie Lightfoot, Sr. and Hattie Williams Lightfoot, Hilda was the second of five children. Reverend Hilda's journey of faith and service began early in life. She accepted Christ at an early age, obtained her Equivalency Diploma from McDonough High School and obtained her certification in ministry from Union Baptist Theological Seminary. Rev. Hilda moved to New Orleans where she joined and attended Ebenezer Baptist Church for more than fifty years and became known as "Reverend Mother Hilda" of the church. In January of 2013, she was ordained as "Reverend Mother" of the church by her Pastor, Reverend Jermaine Landrum. Among her many achievements, she received certificates and /or awards for her undying commitment and volunteer service to mercy endeavors. She was also known as a prayer warrior and a rock to those whose lives she touched in her community throughout the years. She was the perfect example of a missionary and disciple. Rev. Hilda was employed at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in New Orleans for thirty-seven years where she started out as a cook and was later promoted to a supervisor. During her employment at the hospital, in June of 1967, she met and married her beloved husband, Frank Dejoie. To this union they added a son, Shedron Dejoie. Reverend Hilda leaves to cherish her precious memories her son, Shedron Dejoie, (Jalena), her brother James Lightfoot, her nieces, Constance D. Lightfoot, Charlene Joshua (Roynell), Avis Lightfoot (Hyram), twelve grandsons and one great-grandson, one sister-in-law Warrine Lightfoot, three very dear friends, Darrell Smith, whom she loved like a son, Elder Sadie Mason and Brother Harry Woodside. Rev. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Dejoie, Sr., her parents, Willie Lightfoot, Sr., her siblings, Flemon Brooks, Louise Lewis, and Willie Lightfoot, Jr., her nephew, Clarence Rodriguez, Sr., her niece Yolanda Lightfoot, her uncle Fleming Williams and her great nephew, Dre Lightfoot, an aunt, Eola Bailey, cousins Leola and Lena Bailey, Myrtle Bailey, Shirley Bailey Garnett, Tom Bailey, Martha Lightfoot and an Uncle Joe Bailey. Funeral Services for Rev. Hilda Lightfoot Dejoie will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 for 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2415 South Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, La. 70125. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jermaine Landrum officiating. Interment: Private. The family would like to give a special thanks to Reverend Lorraine McDaniel and Ms. Elizabeth Coleman and to the Heart of Hospice Staff. We appreciate all of the phone calls , gifts, visits and services rendered by family and friends. May God continue to bless you and your families exceeding abundantly, above all that you can ask or think. Funeral arrangements by Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc., 2715 Danneel St., NOLA 70113. Information (504) 895-4903. To sign online guest book, please visit www.estellejwilsonfh.com.