Sheila Lynn Hillman Porter, age 51, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born May 3, 1974, in Boyd County, Kentucky, a daughter of Keith and Linda Rose Hillman of Lawton, Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Chester Norton and Thelma Armstrong Hillman; maternal grandparents, Estill Rose and Marie Blevins Rose; special uncle and aunt, James and Roberta McGill Hillman.
Sheila was a woman whose light, love, and laughter filled the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Sheila was funny, adventurous, loving, and always ready to help others.
Sheila had a deep passion for music. Bluegrass was her favorite genre, not just for the sound, but for the sense of family it represented — a family that became even more precious when cancer entered her life. When that difficult chapter began, our bluegrass family rallied around us with incredible love and support. And from Sheila’s generous heart came the idea for Orange Army Bluegrass, the nonprofit we formed together so we could pay that kindness forward. Even while courageously fighting cancer, Sheila’s focus remained on helping others. We will continue this mission, carrying Sheila’s legacy forward with dignity, open arms, and unwavering support for all who join us.
Sheila’s greatest joy was in being with her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren — “her babies,” as she lovingly called them. She cherished every moment with them. Sheila also loved the thrill of riding motorcycles and side-by-sides, entertaining friends and family, and creating a warm, welcoming home where everyone felt loved.
At the heart of all Sheila did was her faith. She drew strength from her daily Bible reading, and she lived by the words of Matthew 25:34-40 — always looking for ways to serve, to love, and to lift others up. That faith guided her through the hardest times, and it continues to inspire us today.
Though we grieve deeply, we also celebrate Sheila’s remarkable life — a life filled with laughter, kindness, courage, and love. Let us honor her by following her example: by living with open hearts, helping others, and cherishing the time we have with those we love.
Sheila is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Robert “Sleepy” Porter; three sons, David (Felicia) Brown of Morehead, Kentucky, Austin (Lexy) Porter, Christopher (Hannah) Brown all of Olive Hill, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Gabriel, Jonah, Lukas, Amelia, Oakleigh; one brother, Greg (Sandy) Hillman of Lawton, Kentucky; two sisters, Anna (Mike) O’Connor of Lawton, Kentucky,Tammie Porter of Olive Hill, Kentucky; father and mother-in-law, Roy Dee and Loretta Thompson Porter; two nephews, Michael Hillman, Trinton Carroll; two nieces, Brenna O’Connor and Hailie Hamilton, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Olive Hill Methodist Church in Olive Hill, Kentucky with Brother John Lambert and Brother Clifford “Tippy” Price officiating. Burial will follow in Hillman Family Cemetery in Lawton, Kentucky.
Friends may visit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky and after 11 a.m., Sunday, June 15, 2025, until the service hour at Olive Hill Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Hillman Family Cemetery.
Robert “Sleepy” Porter, Austin Porter, David Brown, Christopher Brown, Michael Hillman, Mike O’Connor and Trinton Carroll will serve as pallbearers.
Greg Hillman, Keith Hillman and Roy Dee Porter will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Sheila’s honor to Orange Army Bluegrass at the link below: https://my.onecause.com/fundraiser/organizations/0ecfeb2e-342a-4063-a988-cd3fb2154ef0/fundraisers/fundraiser:3886aa89-a087-4bb3-b8b6-431fee2785ba/friendly
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is caring for all arrangements for Sheila Lynn Hillman Porter.
