Karl Edward Hilliard was born September 8, 1957 in the union of Andy Prince and Mattie Louis Fant-Hilliard in East St. Louis, Illinois. As the second oldest son and eighth of sixteen children.

As a child, Karl was always a leader. Once Karl turned his life over to the Almighty God, he was determined to live his life to the best of his abilities to serve and honor God.

Karl accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at Mount Olive Baptist Missionary Church, East St. Louis, Illinois. His journey of life led him down different paths. Without a doubt, Karl was determined to become a follower of our Lord and Savior. With the support of his family and friends in Christ, Karl held on to God's unchanging hand and he went full speed to do God's work.

Karl graduated from Bishop College (Dallas, Texas) with Honors earning a Bachelor's in Accounting and Business and retired from the Federal Reserve of Dallas as a Senior Auditor.

On his trail of growth in the Lord. Karl Joined North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship, Dallas Texas under the leadership of Pastor Terrence Darnes and Pastor Eldred McClean. Everyone loved and adored Karl. He was a natural loving and straight forward person. Karl served as a Small Group Bible Instructor, Facilitator of the Men's Ministries, Cluster Captain, Corporate Pray, Sunday Class, Men's Choir and supported the Food Pantry during the holidays.

Karl received his Deaconship award on May 26th, 2024.

Karl really began to blossom and grow with the love of God. He blessed family, friends, and church members with his wisdom. He was willing to help anyone in need of prayer, providing guidance during hardships to enrich relationships with God. Karl was a healing prayer warrior who trusted and relied on God to lead him in any direction.

Karl married the love of his life Ophelia Phillips-Hilliard. He would always let it be known that Ophelia was the apple of his eye, and his sweetheart. Devoted to each other in union under God, veiled their marriage under protection. Admiration of each other has helped them both spread the word of God and worship to the masses. They have both served the community in various ways to improve lives.

Karl was bubbly and a man of many characters. He was filled with laughter and joy even in pressing situations. Family relationships were important to Karl, and he enjoyed spending time near or far. He was always just a phone call away. If in need he will pack up "Old Hattie Bell" and ride down the road.

Just a few things he accomplished on his journey:

• Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School for Prince of Peace Christian Center, Cahokia, Illinois
• Volunteer at the New Mount Zion Missionary Church Food Pantry, East St. Louis, Illinois
• Strong Support for Senior Citizens in the Community: Assisting Widows with Home Repairs, Lawn Services and Hub Driver for Seniors
• HOA - Board Member
• Junior Achievement Facilitator
• Circle Ten Council, Leader
• Volunteer - Mesquite Rotary Club

On June 13, 2024, Karl accepted his final call from the Lord. Our father said, "Well done my faithful servant," and he fulfilled his purpose that God placed on his life, and spirit.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents Andy Prince and Mattie Louis Fant-Hilliard, Deborah Crosby Young and Naomi Hilliard and brothers; Michael C. Hilliard, Murner R. Hilliard, Pastor Calvin Hilliard and Melvin Hilliard.

Karl leaves behind to cherish his memory; his loving wife, Ophelia Phillips-Hilliard; children, Zyron (Tish) Phillips, Zarah Phillips and his baby girls, Zelena Phillips; grandchildren, Nazura Lamond Phillips-Williams, Ronald James Blair III and Blyss Marisende Phillips; goddaughter, Karliss Hilliard; siblings, Evangelist Rosalinda A. King (Marvin - deceased), Princetta Ferries (Excell - deceased), Denise Hilliard, Cynthia Hilliard, Minister Jaqueline (John) Ford, Sherilyn Hilliard, Claudette Hilliard, Lawanda (Kelvin) McGill; sister-in-laws, Kim Hilliard, Donna Hilliard, Carol Phillips and Denise (Kenneth) Edwards and brother-in-laws, Harry Lee Dale, William H. (Dr. Maggie) Dale, and Clinton Dale.