With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Erica Semeko Hilliard, who left us far too soon on April 25, 2025, at the age of 42.

Erica was born on March 25, 1983, in Bay City, Texas, to Eric Hilliard and Victoria Garza. She grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and family, spending much of her childhood outdoors, playing with her sister Crystal and close cousins. From an early age, Erica's bright spirit, kindness, and fierce loyalty to family were evident to everyone who knew her.

In 1998, Erica welcomed her beautiful daughter, Adriana Hilliard, into the world, followed by the birth of her handsome son, Xavier Thomas, in 2007. Her love for Adriana and Xavier was boundless; they were the brightest lights in her life, and she found endless pride and joy in being their mother.

A proud member of the Class of 2001, Erica built lifelong friendships with a tight-knit group who valued her loyalty, quick wit, and generous heart. She was the kind of person whose smile could light up a room and whose laugh was infectious. Erica loved deeply, lived courageously, and always found reasons to celebrate life's small joys.

Ambitious and determined, Erica pursued a college education with the goal of becoming an operator. After a spinal cord injury left her quadriplegic, Erica showed immense resilience and refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she channeled her creativity and passion for fashion into founding a successful online boutique, helping customers find designer goods and great deals while supporting herself and her family.

Over the past 15 years, despite facing tremendous challenges, Erica's spirit remained unbreakable. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and perseverance — largely thanks to the unwavering care and support of her mother, Victoria Garza, and her stepfather, Rick Brooks. Erica's days were spent working hard for her customers, loving her family, and embracing life with courage and grace.

She was preceded in death by her father Eric Hilliard; grandparents Nick and Mary Garza and Dorothy Hilliard Scott and Adair Scott; uncle Gomer Hilliard and cousin Gregory Ruddick.

Erica is survived by her beloved daughter, Adriana Hilliard, and son, Xavier Thomas; her mother, Victoria Garza, and stepfather, Rick Brooks; her sister, Crystal DeWoody (Robert); her nieces, Raegan and Reese DeWoody; her nephew, Carson DeWoody; and a host of extended family and loving friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Erica's life is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and grace. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Friday, May 2, 2025 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM.  Memorial service will be at 10:00 AM with Deacon Joe Ramos officiating.