Surrounded by the love of her family and sustained by her faith, Hilda Ann Adair Blackledge entered into the presence of her Lord on June 5, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, compassion, and steadfast devotion to her Lord and those she loved.
She was born in West Point, Mississippi, and upon the early death of her father moved to Newton, Mississippi, with her mother and grandparents. She graduated from Newton High School, East Central Junior College, and the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Upon graduation from college, she moved to Quitman where she developed a speech therapy program for the Quitman School systems. She has, until this day, told wonderful and amusing stories of her “speech children.”
Throughout all of her work, her main priority was sharing her love for “her children” at school. Long after her retirement, her phone continued to ring from previous students sharing their “Miss Hilda” stories, including several who followed in her footsteps of becoming a speech pathologist.
She loved her family fiercely. At the time of her death, she and her husband, Fred, were two weeks from having celebrated 62 years of marriage. Her most treasured times in life were spent surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. She masterfully attended piano recitals, t-ball games, cross-country races and any other event in which her grandchildren were involved.
Hilda was a member of First Baptist Church, Quitman where she taught high school girls Sunday School for over 20 years and later led the Women’s Bible Class. She lived her testimony as vigorously as she taught. She leaves behind a Sunday School class consisting of lifelong friends and prayer partners.
Hilda is survived by her husband, Fred; one son, Dr. Adair Blackledge and wife Deanna; one daughter, Mary Margaret Simmons and husband, Dr. Ryan Simmons; grandchildren, AnnAdair Blackledge, Blount Blackledge, Causey Simmons and Bounds Simmons; and a brother, Dr. Marcus Adair and wife Faye.
A visitation was held on Saturday, June 6, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Quitman. Following the service, a graveside service was held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman. Pallbearers were Scott Evans, Robert Smith, Jim Hearn, James Morgan, Paul Mosley, and Mike Oates.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Mission Action at First Baptist Church Quitman. Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
