Christine Carol Hillmer, 72, of Denton, Texas, passed away on June 11, 2025, at Cottonwood Rehabilitation Center in Denton, Texas. She was born in Mathis, Texas, on November 28, 1952, to Fred and Esther Hillmer of Orange Grove, Texas.

Christine (Chris) grew up in Orange Grove, Texas, and always had such a sweet and caring heart for others. She was loved by everyone who knew and met her.

Chris graduated from Orange Grove High School in 1971. She was involved in numerous activities throughout her school years, including junior high and high school band (clarinet player), varsity basketball, Drama Club, One-Act Play, UIL District Poetry Interpretation, volleyball, Twirling Majorette, Head Twirling Majorette, as well as a member of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA). Chris inspired many young girls through her twirling lessons and camps during the summer.

After high school, Chris attended business school in Corpus Christi, Texas, and earned her Business Certificate. In April of 1974, Chris was hired by Kleberg National Bank in Kingsville, Texas, where she was the secretary to the president of the bank. Chris loved her job and was well respected by her boss and co-workers.

On October 4, 1974, only six months later, Chris's life was forever changed when she was involved in a horrific car accident that caused traumatic brain damage. Chris was in a coma for four months, and the doctors said she would never recover. They did not know how much of a fighter Chris was. She went through years of therapy and stayed at numerous rehabilitation facilities. Chris recovered enough to be moved to Casa Real Assisted Living Apartments in Alice, Texas, where she lived for twenty years. Chris enjoyed many family vacations, time with family and friends, and many sister trips with her two adventurous younger sisters, Cheri and Lori. While living in Alice, Chris accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized. She attended Grace Baptist Church in Alice, Texas.

Needing a change, in October of 2015, Chris's sisters moved her to Denton, Texas (another fun and crazy sister trip), to Cottonwood Rehabilitation Center. Chris became part of a new extended family that loved and cared for her as much as her own family. She made numerous friends at Cottonwood (even though she was an avid lover of the Dallas Cowboys—win or lose). She enjoyed participating in the many different activities and outings provided by Cottonwood. Chris loved having her clothes and accessories match—so much so that the nurses called her "Hollywood." She was involved with her sister Cheri in the organization BIND (Brain Injury Network of Dallas), where she attended several outings and events.

With all the difficulties that Chris had to face, she lived a courageous life and was an inspiration to all.

Chris is survived by her sisters: Cheri (Blake) Morrow of Corinth, Texas, and Lori (Greg) Garbe of Bulverde, Texas; her niece, Megan (Byron) Sharon of Spring, Texas; and her nephews, Jeremy Dooley of Denver, Colorado; Brent (Bre) Garbe of Spring, Texas; Zach (Kylie) Garbe of Spring, Texas; and her great-nieces and nephews: Kaystin, Leightin, Bryson, and Braxton Sharon; Riley and Harper Garbe; and Brynlie and Braydon Garbe. Chris was preceded in death by her mother and father, Fred and Esther Hillmer.

A Celebration of Christine's life will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to BIND (Brain Injury Network of Dallas) in honor of Christine Hillmer.

https://www.thebind.org/