Lillian A. Hill

HILL, Mrs. Lillian A. "Boots," entered her heavenly home on Friday, August 8, 2008 at her residence. Lillian, a native of Petersburg, was born October 8, 1922 to the late Harold and Susie Garner-Fox, and was reared by her adopted mother, the late Laura Parham. At an early age Lillian accepted Jesus Christ, and until her death was a member of First Baptist Church, Harrison Street, Petersburg. She was educated in the Petersburg Public School System, where she graduated from Peabody High School, class of 1943, and was a standout player, lettering in girls' varsity basketball. While in high school, she met the love of her life, the late James L. "Jelly Bean" Hill Sr. She then married her love and was a devoted wife for 52 years. From this marriage Lillian had two sons, James Leroy Jr. and Terry Emil. For many years, Lillian was a homemaker until she became a member of the Peabody cafeteria staff, where she was employed for 18 years before retiring. "Boots," as she was affectionately called, had an affectionate smile and was a loving person to everyone she encountered, as well as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Lillian, along with several close friends, held membership in the Blaze Social Club. She enjoyed traveling and socializing with her club members. Lillian had a passion for knitting and crocheting, especially quilts and blankets. She participated in weekly knitting classes and other activities for seniors at the Tabernacle Baptist Church Center. She found great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchild, and any time one came to see her, she would just light up with her smile, always telling everybody about her love for them. Lillian loved to cook and always invited family, friends and other guests to visit her home. She is survived by her two sons, James L. Hill Jr. of Suitland, Md., and Terry E. Hill of Petersburg; grandchildren, James L. Hill III (Joan) of Forestville, Md., Jonathan E. Hill of Largo, Md., Brandon J. Hill of Laurel, Md., Jaylyn S. Smith of Baltimore, Md.; great-grandson, Julian A. Hill of Forestville, Md.; sisters-in-law, Marie L. Harris and Linda S. Jones (Ronnie), both of Petersburg; nieces, Rhonda and Michelle Jones of Petersburg; devoted cousins, Irene Eldridge of New York, James C. Vaughan of Skippers, Va., Alice Bowles of Petersburg, Va.; and a host of cousins and other relatives. Lillian cherished her former daughters-in law, Sandra Hill-Garner, Maxine L. Hill and Lydia Joe-Hill. Special acknowledgements to her devoted friends, Mrs. Marie Baugh, Mrs. Marjorie Thompson, Mr. Richard McKenzie, Stephanie D. Ellison, Marquette Wynn, Glenda Hines and Patricia Randolph. Special thanks to the staff of Crater Community Hospice, Dr. Shirley Moten and Mr. Steve Dugger. A homegoing service to celebrate the life of Lillian A. "Boots" Hill will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2008 at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison St., Petersburg, Va. The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, pastor, officiating, and the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White Sr., pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, eulogist. The remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service. A Christian wake will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2008 at the chapel of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va. Relatives and friends will assemble at the residence, 716 Independence Ave., Petersburg, Va., at noon. Family members and friends are invited to pay tribute to Mrs. Hill online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com, and may also view a video tribute online or at the establishment. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911. www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.