Jill Marie Firestone, 72, of Carrollton, Texas, passed from this earth on July 21, 2024.

Jill was born on May 3, 1952, to Robert ‘Bob’ and Betty Hawkins in Chickasha, OK. Bob was a Church of Christ preacher, so his career took their family across the southwest. While in Chickasha, Jill’s older brother, Robbie, passed away tragically in 1956, at the age of 8. After his passing, Jill and her family relocated to Plainview, TX. Her younger brother Bradley was born there two years later. The family settled in Clovis, NM when Jill was 8 years old. She and Brad grew up in Clovis and both graduated from Clovis High School.

During her sophomore year of high school, Jill met the love of her life, Ronald Ray Firestone and they began dating on April 12, 1968. She was involved in many choral endeavors while in high school. She was even voted Miss Talent her senior year. She and Ronnie spent many nights draggin’ Main St. in Clovis and enjoying their high school days. Jill graduated from Clovis High School in 1970. After graduation, she attended Oklahoma Christian University while Ronnie attended college at Eastern New Mexico University. The two were miserable being apart. Unable to stand being away from her any longer, Ronnie proposed to Jill on a phone call from a payphone in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot! Jill of course agreed, quickly returning home to plan their wedding. She married her first love and high school sweetheart on June 4, 1971.

Jill accepted a position as Administrative Secretary at Clovis National Bank in 1971 and worked there until the two welcomed their oldest daughter, Kari Leigh, into the world on February 25, 1976. After Ronnie graduated college, their family of three moved to Hobbs, NM in 1977. Later, they moved to Lovington, NM in 1979. While in Lovington, they were blessed with their second daughter, Kelli Rae, on January 17, 1980.

In 1984, the Firestone family settled in Carlsbad, NM where Jill spent many years raising their girls as a homemaker. She was their biggest fan! She spent hours traveling across the state to choir competitions, football games and cheerleading competitions to support them. Their family was blessed to travel often, making memories with the girls as they grew. They attended Sunset Church of Christ for many years. In 1996, Jill began working at Sunset as their secretary.

After both of their daughters graduated, Jill and Ronnie moved to Carrollton, TX in 2000, where she began working at their new church, Prestoncrest Church of Christ as an Administrative Assistant. Jill worked diligently with the children’s ministry at Prestoncrest, as well as other areas of the church. She worked there until her retirement in 2019.

Jill’s proudest moments were when her grandchildren were born. Kari welcomed two daughters, Maryn and Elizabeth. Kelli became a mother to three children, Jaxon, Jordan and Kamryn. Jill loved being a Mimi to those 5 precious grandchildren more than anything else. They truly were her pride and joy. She traveled often to spend as much time with them as possible.

Their family suffered the loss of their precious daughter Kari in 2006. It was devastating, but through their faith in God, and the love of their family and friends, Jill and Ronnie found the strength to continue living a life of joy, while keeping her memory alive.

Jill spent her later years enjoying time with Ronnie by attending concerts, musicals, plays and performances of their grandchildren. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on June 4th . Their love was truly one of dedication, devotion and faith. While Jill enjoyed making memories and spending time with those she loved on earth, she longed for the day she would meet her Lord and Savior in her eternal home on the other side of time.

Jill was preceded in death by her brother, Robbie Hawkins, parents, Robert and Betty Hawkins, father-in-laws U.G. Firestone and Albert Stewart, mother-in-law Fern Stewart, daughter, Kari Heil, and other beloved extended family members. She is survived by the love of her life, Ronnie Firestone of the home, her daughter Kelli Lara of Oklahoma City, OK, 5 grandchildren, Maryn (Tucker) Jones of Wichita Falls, TX, Jaxon Lara of Golden, CO, Elizabeth Heil of Granbury, TX, Jordan Lara and Kamryn Lara of Oklahoma City, OK, brother Brad (Karen) Hawkins of Hobbs, NM, brother-in-law Tommy (Pam) Firestone of Clovis, NM and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other dear family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jill’s honor to Lakeview Christian Nursing Home in Carlsbad, NM. Her services will be held on August 17, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Prestoncrest Church of Christ, 6022 Preston Crest Ln. Dallas, TX 75230.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” - Philippians 4:4-8

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