Sparking Joy for Joy's Funeral

“People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

Valerie JOY Hilado often preached, practiced, and lived by Maya’s quote through and through.

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Joy’s family is heartbroken to announce that, on July 23, 2021, she was called to be at her beloved late-daddy's side at the young age of 47. Her colorful and lively spirit will be deeply missed by all. Joy lived a vibrant life that beamed with sunshine, love, and laughter. She wore many hats: your birthday reminder, professional and candid photographer, and your personal party maestro. Joy rooted herself firmly in the present and basked fully in every moment.

Small, but mighty - she was a fighter for all. Joy loved fiercely, but fought even more fiercely to overcome any obstacle. Giving up was never an option for her—especially as a role model for her children and grandson. She made it her mission to help others reach their goals, capture the fleeting, beautiful moments of everyone lives, and help resolve any conflict that she could aid in.

 

"Mama Joy" was a proud band mom, not only for her kids, but for all her band babies. She was also immensely honored to serve as a phenomenal buyer’s agent for Keller Williams' The Loken Group and wore their logo on her sleeve. She shared how she felt the most joy when she was in the presence of those she loved. No doubt, she wanted nothing more than to be with all of you.

Most of the time, she was the smallest person in the room, but her presence was impossible to miss due to her zealous spirit and the, literal, boisterous volume coming out her tiny body. Although she couldn’t reach the tops of shelves, there is no doubt that she touched countless lives across the globe. Now, she can be with all and have the best angles on anyone—including a new one for her, the top of others' heads! =P

From Joy's most recent, Live In Wonder, journal entry:

If you could dedicate your life to the one thing you’re most passionate about, what would it be?

“Helping others achieve their dreams/goals to get to a higher/better level in their lives. I want to see them SOAR w/success & happiness. (with her classic smile face emoji with a heart for a nose)”

Joy's vision boards repeatedly featured this core belief. She would make it her mission to be there cheering you on at your races, promotions, graduations, weddings, births, achieving goals, and supporting at any of life’s hiccups.

(Shadowbox project by Joy's Niece, Sicily, showcasing Joy's board-break to break through her fear.)

So please smile, laugh, love, and appreciate every moment as she would with you.

Let us celebrate JOY by keeping her presence in our daily lives and choosing to surround ourselves with things, people, thoughts, and experiences that bring us joy. Everyone who knew her knew about her fear of missing out, so don't forget to relive all your precious memories with her and keep her name and spirit alive! If you have ever shared a cause, please do so in Joy’s honor.

 

Joy is survived by her son (Jodel), daughter (Breanna), and infant grandson (Masiah), and going above and beyond with love/support for them would be an understatement. They were her whole world. Resonating roars have been coming through to aid for her and through her. This fund has been designed to give in JOY for her most beloved callings and assist with her funeral expenses. Any excess will be used to support her children and grandson so they may better pursue their goals for education, career, and passions. May this give respite to the sudden loss of our Joy as well as to continue her legacy through daily support and future endowments.

From the Hilado family, we thank you all for your support and being part of the happiness in Joy’s life and being part of her journey "in helping others achieve their dreams/goals to get to a better place in their lives. To see them SOAR w/success & happiness."

If you’d like to contribute through a different channel:

Venmo: @Jodel-Hilado

PayPal: @JodelHilado

Zelle: JodelHilado at hot mail . com

Physical donations: Please mail to Ricky Hilado (22731 Birch Point Drive, Katy, TX 77450) or Catherine Bobbitt (26806 Autumn Timbers Lane, Cypress, Tx 77433)

*Note: Any contributions to Joy's siblings will be forwarded to her children.

Flowers may be sent to her Viewing being held on 8/6/2021 from 5pm-8pm for the public at:

Schmidt Funeral Home

1344 W Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494