Jill Diane Bussell's Obituary
Jill Bussell passed away in Dallas, Texas on June 18, 2026 at the age of 85.
Jill was born on July 3, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Doris (neé McLaughlin); stepfather Charlie Hawkins was her only “Dad”. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School then graduated as salutatorian from W.W. Samuell High in 1958. She married her one true love, Phill, on December 6, 1957. They shared 68+ loving years and raised 3 sons: Michael Dennis, Phillip Brent, and Gary Collin.
Phill and Jill were inseparable. Jill was Phill’s biggest fan and supported him to become the Grand National Champion of the Academy of Model Aeronautics in 1964. Known as fair and honorable by the hobbyists, she often served as a contest director.
As a working mother, Jill was employed for over forty years by John Hancock, advancing to the role of Director of Administration on the Exxon account, the largest client. After retiring in 1996, she re-entered the workforce in 1998 to assist her son Collin as Director of Logistics for Tad Telecom. In her role as “Mimi” to these technicians, she was invaluable, unique, and appreciated for her nurturing kindness to all. After retiring again in 2003, she served as school volunteer and Girl Scout troop leader at Bradfield Elementary School in Highland Park from 2006 to 2019.
Preceded in death by mother Doris Hawkins, stepfather Charlie Hawkins, brother Jack Hawkins, sister-in-law Myrna Dean “Wissie” Thompson, niece Tanya Thompson, and son, Mike Bussell, Mimi is survived by her husband Phill, sons Brent (Laura) of Southlake, TX and Collin of Dallas, TX; daughters-in-law Rita Bussell of Dallas, TX, and Monica Bussell of Irving, TX; brother Gary Hawkins of Carrollton, VA.; sisters-in-law Joann Hawkins of Atlanta, GA, and Jan Hawkins of Mesquite, TX; brother-in-law Donald Thompson of Nevada, TX; granddaughters Kristin Newby (Jamison) of Dallas, Devon Bussell of New York City, NY, Erin Bussell of Studio City, CA, Meredith Alongi (John) of Dallas, TX, Paris Bussell of Honolulu, HI, and London Bussell of Irving, TX; great-granddaughters Beckley and Aravelle Newby of Dallas, TX; nephews Bryan Thompson (Leslie) of McKinney, TX, Brian Hawkins of Mesquite, TX, Jeffrey Hawkins (Tuti) of Macon, GA, and Patrick Hawkins (Courtney) of Suffolk, VA; great-niece Ashley Thompson of Garland, TX, and great-nephew Trevor Thompson of Gunter, TX; long-time friends Shirley Dickson and Marie Simms, as well as many cousins.
Jill’s lasting legacy is one of kindness and selfless service to her family, friends, and the community. All who knew her will attest to her loving and gentle soul. Our faith in our loving Father in heaven promises that this is not goodbye but rather we will be together again soon.
Services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Restland, Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. Visitation – 1:00 p.m., service – 2:00 p.m., gravesite internment – 3:00 p.m. Reception immediately following.
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