Lillie Jean Horton, known affectionately as Jean, passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 79 in Milam. Born on July 26, 1947, in Center, to Amos E. Elliott and Madena Neal Elliott, Jean was a lifelong resident of Sabine County.

Jean dedicated many years of her career as a dietary manager for nursing homes, where she was cherished for her compassion and commitment to the well-being of the residents. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, reflecting her deep faith throughout her life.

Jean was a woman of many passions, including cooking for her family, crocheting, and tending to her plants. An avid reader and a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, she never missed a game. Above all, her love for Jesus and her family, especially her grandchildren, defined her.

Jean leaves behind a loving family: her son, Kevin Horton and wife, Jody; daughters, Diane Bardwell and husband, Chauncey, Gina Jackson and husband, Jerry, and Angie Lowe and husband, Bubba, all of Milam; brother, Latrent Elliot and wife, Carolina, of Milam; sisters, Ruby Burns of Shelbyville, Berinda Elliott of Nacogdoches, and Jan Elliott, also of Nacogdoches; sister-in-law, Patsy Elliott of Pineland. She was a proud grandmother to Josh Elliott and Sharon, Cullen Wright, Hannah Bardwell, Sharissa Bardwell, Kimberly Hamilton and Robert, Kevin Ray Horton, Jr. and Skylar, Kyle Jackson and Jessica, Kendra Crowel and Jeffrey, Christopher Lowe and Shelby, and Ashley Winter and Jake; and great-grandmother to David, Jayci, Ryleigh, Jaxson, Cort, Elijah, Spencer, Henley, Mason, Claire, Mia, Molly, Cade, Colton, Maddie, Waylon, Lillie, Callie, Caul, Kolstyn, Avery, Emma, Legend, Holden, Axton, and one more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alva Ray 'Tinker' Horton; granddaughter, Kayla Marie; brother, Larry Elliott; and sister, Clara Mae Elliott Dickerson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Floyd Wright officiating.

Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers include Josh Elliott, Christopher Lowe, Kyle Jackson, Cullen Wright, David Elliott, Kevin Ray Horton, Matt Arney, Jake Winters, Jeffrey Crowell, and Robert Hamilton.

Jean's life and legacy will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, as a testament to her loving spirit and nurturing heart.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome. com.