The Rapper Eminem's Grandmother went home to be with the Lord. Betty J. Hixson Kresin-Hillsman, 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in St. Joseph, Mo. She was born on August 18, 1938 to Jessie Mae (Roesch) and William Hixson Jr in Highland, KS.
She will be reunited in Heaven with her parents, daughter, Debbie Nelson-Mathers, sons, Todd Nelson Sr and Ronnie Polkingharn, and grandson Todd Nelson Jr., her sisters Teri Nolan, Martha Canchola, and Jackie Detweiler, and nephew Mark Canchola.
She is survived by her husband Clarence "David" Hillsman of the home, son Steven Nelson (Angie), daughter Tanya DeWeese (Leonard), and daughter Betti Gilpin-Schmitt all of St. Joseph. 13 grandchildren, including her 1st grandchild Marshall Mathers III "Eminem", Nathan Mathers, Michelle Ray, Nikole Nelson (Jeff), Johnathan Winters (Amy), Kristina & Tara Nelson, Bobby & Korey Nelson, Joshua (Meghan), Jeremy & Jacob Schmitt, and numerous great grandchildren.
After graduating from Benton High School, Betty moved to Michigan where she lived for many years. She attended Macomb County College and worked at Holy Cross Hospital. After moving back to Missouri, Betty attended Platte College and graduated from MWSU, received her realtor license, took cake decorating classes, and was a Tupperware Supervisor for many years. She worked at the Courthouse in the Collectors Office for AJ Bielby for several years and also ran for Circuit Clerk & City Councilwoman.
God was always first in her life above everything else. Her biggest joy and top priority after God, was her family. She was an Amazing Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend, who will be missed by all who knew her.
Betty was very active. She was a member of Genesis Health Club where she regularly went to water aerobics. She was a member of the American Legion & the Eagles Lodge. Betty was a member of Grace Evangelical Church for over 30 years, and a prior member of both Caring First Assembly of God, and the River Church.
Our Mom was full of love and high energy. She loved to travel and lived in numerous states. She was a snowbird in Orange Beach Alabama for the past 20 plus years. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mom never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off her back. She made you feel important and loved regardless of who you were.
Our Mom was our best friend and we will miss her immensely. She had one of the sweetest, kindest souls we had the honor to know, and were blessed to call her our Mom. We know she is with the Lord and all those who passed before her. Our lives will never be the same.
The family would like to extend their thanks for the excellent care by Mosaic Hospice.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Thursday, March 19, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 18, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
