Proverbs 31:10-31 The Virtuous Wife

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil. All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Dr. Hilda Jones Guillory, a woman of extraordinary intellect, unwavering faith, and devoted service, peacefully entered eternal rest on December 29, 2025, surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived.

Born on July 11, 1936, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Hilda was the beloved daughter of Anthony Jones and Lena Babineaux Jones. Hilda, affectionately known as Sis, was the eldest daughter in a remarkable family of fourteen children, carrying early the mantle of leadership, responsibility, and excellence that would define her life.

A true child prodigy, Hilda graduated from high school at the tender age of fifteen after attending Catholic elementary and high schools. Her academic brilliance continued to shine as she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Library Science and a Master of Education in English Education with concentrations in Administration and Supervision. Answering a higher calling, she later earned a Doctor of Theology from Andersonville Baptist Seminary in Camilla, Georgia.

On December 31, 1960, Hilda married the love of her life, Dr. Mack Charles Guillory, Sr. Together they built a marriage marked by faithfulness, partnership, and shared ministry, standing as a testament to enduring love and mutual purpose.

Dr. Guillory dedicated her professional life to education and service. She served with distinction as an English Instructor, Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselor, and Librarian, shaping countless lives through her wisdom, discipline, and compassion. Her commitment to spiritual education was equally profound. She served as Director of Christian Education and Deaconness at both Old Emmanuel Baptist Church and St. Luke Baptist Church, Director-Emeritus of the Calcasieu Union Missionary & Educational Baptist Association and the Louisiana Missionary State Baptist Convention, and former Vice President of the National Baptist Convention, USA Woman's Auxiliary, influencing women and leaders across the nation.

Ever a visionary, Dr. Guillory founded Heaven-on-Earth Network, a healthcare agency providing in-home personal care services to families in Lake Charles and Mamou, Louisiana. Through this work, she extended dignity, compassion, and practical care to those most in need, embodying her belief that faith must be lived out through service.

Dr. Hilda Jones Guillory leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and faithful husband, Dr. Mack C. Guillory, Sr.; five beloved children: Sonya Renee Richardson (Gilbert Richardson, Sr.), Ursula Yvette Christian, Mack Charles Guillory, Jr. (Rene Mayberry Guillory), Yolanda Sevetra Morris (Billy Ray Morris), Myron Cordell Guillory (Courtney Ottley Guillory); sixteen grandchildren: Kiersten (Christopher), Kendrick, Jasmine, Chelsea (Jason), Haley, Mack III, Majesty, Gilbert Jr., Champion, Cailyn, Zion, Maya, Reagan, Mason, Sadie, and Bria; nine great-grandchildren: Donald (Trey) III, Daylen, Dyllan, Dallas, Zareya, Sariah, Zoe, Jianna, Zaiden; and one bonus daughter, Julie Kaye Simien (Joe Simien). She is also lovingly remembered by her many siblings (Gloria, Carmelia, Vina, Marie (Darrell), Louis (Thelma), Margaret, Beverly, extended family, spiritual daughters, students, and all whose lives were enriched by her presence.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, son-in-law (Champion Christian), great-granddaughter (Kylee Wooten), six siblings: Joseph, Francis, Paul, Clifton, Lucille, and Wilbert.

Dr. Guillory's life was a living sermon—marked by excellence, intellect, service, and unshakable faith. Her legacy will continue to speak through generations, reminding all who knew her that a life rooted in God, learning, and love truly leaves Heaven on Earth.

Dr. Guillory's life reflected a deep and abiding faith in God's promises. She lived as one who understood that "those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles" (Isaiah 40:31). Having fought the good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7), she now receives her eternal reward. While we grieve her absence, we celebrate a life poured out in service, excellence, and unwavering devotion to God and humanity.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2025 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at Church of The King. Funeral Service to follow at 11:00AM. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens under the direction of King's Funeral Home.