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Dora Hill Obituary
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian Moore Rattray and Herbert Rattray; sister, Ethel Claire Rattray Sharp; and brother-in-law, Clarence Kirkley.
Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Raymond Hill; son, Bruce Hill; daughter and son-in-law, Danny and Gail Owens, Guntersville; sister, Lillian Rattray Kirkley; sister-in-law, Jean Hill; brother-in-law, David Sharp; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Dora Gene graduated from Gadsden High School in 1944 and the University of Montevallo in 1949. Because of her interest in foreign languages, she took correspondence courses in Spanish and taught herself to speak and read the language. After teaching Spanish for several years, Dora Gene became interested in Russian and again took a correspondence course and listened to tapes to teach herself the language.
She received a Master's degree in Spanish and completed the course of study as a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Alabama. Mrs. Hill began a teaching career that spanned nearly four decades. Her influence on thousands of students began at Gadsden High School in 1957 and included Snead State College, the University of Alabama in Gadsden, Gadsden State Community College and, most recently, Gadsden City High School. Over the years she taught Spanish, Russian and Latin, and in 2006, at the age of 79, she taught Latin at the new Gadsden City High. The following year, she celebrated her 80th birthday doing what she loved so much, teaching high school students. These students had not even been born when she retired from GHS in 1989.
In 1964, Mrs. Hill's Spanish students, upon finding out that she had never been to a Spanish-speaking country, decided secretly to raise money among themselves for a trip. They presented her a Christmas gift of enough money to send her to Mexico. Almost every year following, until her retirement in 1989, Mrs. Hill took a group of her Spanish students, sometimes as many as 30 per trip, to Spain or Mexico during spring break or the first week in June.
Students in every decade remember her as the best teacher they ever had. Her dedication, sense of humor, concern for students, creativity and her passion made Dora Gene an unforgettable presence in educational circles, especially in the hearts of those she taught.
Dora Gene was honored in 1971 by Jacksonville State University as the first inductee into the Alabama Teachers' Hall of Fame. She was also selected Alabama State Teacher of the Year in 1976. She shared her expertise by serving on committees of the Southern Association of Evaluation and Certification, Alabama State Course of Study and State Board of Education Commission to design exit examinations for foreign language teachers.
She also served on the Alabama Humanities Board, was a member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma education honorary for women and received a Delta Kappa Gamma International Council Research Scholarship to the University of Alabama. A longtime member of the Alabama Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, Mrs. Hill participated in national meetings in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
She was a Christian lady of great faith, being an active member of Gadsden First Baptist Church all of her life. Dora Gene also taught Sunday School at the Gardner Street Mission of First Baptist Church. Reflecting that spirituality in her daily life, she exhibited love, kindness, generosity and respect toward others. A model of exemplary character, Dora Gene Hill was a blessing to those who knew her.
Pallbearers include her former Gadsden High School students, Charles Hart, Gordon Isbell III, Johnny Johns, Mike Keracher, Don Lytle, Joe Saxon, Harry Vance, Charlie Watts and Noble Yocum.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 this evening at Collier-Butler Funeral Home.
The funeral will be Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Gadsden. Interment will follow the service at Crestwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Gadsden First Baptist Church, 235 S. Fifth St., or to Gadsden City High School, 1917 Black Creek Parkway, for the Dora Gene Hill Foreign Language Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dora Hill
March 6, 2012
Gail, I'm so sorry I missed the memorial service for your mom. I'm so glad she was a part of my life & still have pictures from our trips to Europe & Mexico....what a hoot. You're in my thoughts & prayers.
Carolyn Rosich Magers GHS 1970
Alice Hill Hughes
February 29, 2012
Dear Lillian,
I send you and your family my love and sympathy.
February 24, 2012
I have sat here several times to write this, and somehow or other I couldn't finish it. Words simply cannot express the impact and influence Dora Gene had on my life. I majored in Spanish and have been teaching for 38 years. I never once thought I did any near the job she did, but I am thankful for all I learned from her. She was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, mom, friend, and life long inspiration. No one who had her as a teacher will ever forget her. We could all tell a thousand "Mrs. Hill" stories, but none of them could tell the whole picture either. Gail, Bruce, and Lillian, we share your loss. At least we know one day we will see her again. Thank you, Dora Gene; RIP.
Susan Lancaster, Class of 1970 GHS
Barbara Miller Towbin
February 23, 2012
Gail and Bruce,
I was so saddened to hear the news of your mother's passing. She was an amazing person and teacher who affected the lives of so many of her students. She inspired me to major in Education and minor in Spanish in college, and I will always be grateful for the wonderful lessons she taught me. She will be truly missed.
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your families at this time.
Wanda Campbell Moody
February 19, 2012
Bruce, Gail, & families,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Betty & Thurman Pace
February 19, 2012
Dodie was a dear friend of ours since high school days. For six decades she and Raymond were my contacts with Gadsden, Gadsden High, and the football players from the teams of 1939-1949. We always looked forward to being with them at the annual reunions and football breakfasts. Several years ago I sent my collection of photos taken during my high school years to augment their extensive collection. We will always cherish the memories we have of Dodie and were truly blessed to have known her.
Betty & Thurman Pace
Patricia McKenzie Gruver
February 19, 2012
Thank God for Dora Gene Hill! She was a wonderful lady. She made Spanish so much fun for us as students. I was blessed whenever I met with her later that she remembered not only me, but my brothers and sisters as well. May you rest in peace, Mrs. Hill.
February 18, 2012
Gail- We were so sad to hear the news of your mom's passing. She was always such a joy to us and we loved visiting with her just a year ago at a GHS reunion. I will always remember her energy and love of teaching. We are praying for your comfort and strength.
Ron and Becky (Prickett) Cox
Mary Jane Finney
February 18, 2012
Gail and Bruce, I will always cherish the memories that I have of Mrs. Hill, memories in the classroom, on trips to Mexico and Europe, and many other places. My prayers are with you. With love, Mary Jane Finney
Joy (Godbey) Bodine
February 18, 2012
Mrs. Hill loved foreign language, loved teaching and loved her students. She was so intent on us all learning languages that she would invite former students to give "inspirational speeches" about how they were using foreign language in their lives. Little did I know then that I would be using foreign languages on a daily basis. Nor did I imagine that Mrs. Hill would be keeping up with me over the years, just as she did with so many students. She was a great lady, and will be greatly missed.
February 18, 2012
Dear Gail,
Jay and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your Mother was the epitome of a teacher, educator, a lady. She was dedicated, knowledgeable, devoted, respected and most of all loved by her students and colleagues. Those that follow her can only aspire to walk in her footsteps.
Rose Alldredge
February 18, 2012
Through her enthusiasm, energy, dedication and inspiration, Mrs. Hill brought the Spanish language alive to all of her students. She expected excellence from her students and usually received their best work and best behavior. I can truly say that not only was she the best teacher I ever had as a student myself, she is also the best teacher I have known throughout my own career in education. I am thankful for Mrs. Hill's wonderful impact on my life and career and on the lives of many students in the Gadsden area.
Charlene Harbin Winnette, GHS Class of 1973
Rob McKenzie
February 18, 2012
Mrs. Hill (Senora Dora) was truely a passiontate teacher. She was truely a force in my life that ont only helped me learn Spanish (both in Spanish I and Spanish II classes), but also showed me what a giving and understanding teacher is. I will miss her.
February 18, 2012
What a great lady! Of all the teachers in my lifetime (I have multiple degrees) she was the most naturally gifted teacher I ever had. I was a rambunctious student and hers was the only class I could not disrupt with my playfulness...she was just that good of a teacher! She also served as a mentor to my sister-in-law, Hope Hallmark Saxon, who also was a great teacher. Her daughter Gail was in my class and so I saw Dora Gene through multiiple eyes and she excelled in all roles of life. So sorry I could not attend her funeral service in Gadsden today...I would loved to have paid her final respects in person....James Saxon, GHS graduate - 1970.
Ifetime
Keith Back
February 18, 2012
I remember how Mrs. Hill commanded respect instead of demanding it. When you were in her class, you better be prepared to learn Spanish and pay attention. She would accept nothing less. There will never be another one like her, and we are all better people for knowing her. God bless her and her family.
Nancy Cooper Wells
February 17, 2012
My sympathy to the Hill family. I took Spanish from Señora Loma in 1962,'63,&'64. She was the best teacher I ever had. I feel fortunate that she taught Spanish to me, my daughter ,Leigh Corfman, and She taught Spanish, Latin & Russian to my step-daughter, Catie Wells. Dora Gene had a special bond with her students and there is no wonder she was honored as being the best Teacher of the Year...she truly was
February 17, 2012
I had the priviledge of growing up know Mrs. Hill and her family. She was a great teacher and a great person. She will be missed but always remembered through all the people she taught and touched. My prayers go out to Coach Hill, Bruce and Gail.
Mark Jones
February 17, 2012
Mr. Hill and family. I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Hill's death.I was not a student of hers, but a neighbor on Alpine View. She always spoke to me at GHS and told me to tell my family "Hello" in a very Christ-like way.May you feel God's arms around you as He comforts you through this time in your lives. Merlileen Pearson Johnson (Andy's daughter)
Ed Simpson
February 17, 2012
My Mother, Macie May Simpson, met Mrs. Hill at Alabama College (now U. of Montevallo), where they were roommates. My Mother said many times that everyone knew even before graduation from college that Mrs. Hill would become the larger than life figure that she became in Gadsden, AL. Since my Mother settled in Montevallo and lives there today, she volunteered each year at the U. of Montevallo homecoming events and told me every year how excited she was to be able to see Mrs. Hill again. My Mother had no middle initial (Macie May) and they liked to exchange the story of people meeting my Mother for the first time and saying "Macie May what?"
My Mother told my sister and I many times growing up that Mrs. Hill was one of those people that you could feel walk into a room. So it's no surprise that Mrs. Hill is considered to be an iconic figure by former students and friends.
One of the great coincidences of my life is that I attended the U. of Alabama at the same time as Gail Hill Owens and Danny Owens and that we somehow met there and have been close friends ever since.
I was reluctant to tell my Mother about Mrs. Hill, but she took it calmly and said that Mrs. Hill lived a wonderful, meaningful life. How true.
My condolences to her entire family.
Debbie Leach
February 17, 2012
I didn't go to high school in Gadsden but knew Mrs. Hill as a fellow Delta Kappa Gamma member after I became a teacher. I also knew her as a parent at Eura Brown when she and Coach Hill came for Awards Day. Oh yes, and as mall walkers!!! She was so well known and loved in this town and will be greatly missed!!!
February 17, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
Donny & Missy Harrison
Rachel Sitz
February 17, 2012
Mrs. Hill was one of my favorite teachers at GHS. On my first day of class, she whirled in like a mini tornado and I wondered what I was in for. I was in for what became my favorite class. She made learning Spanish fun. 30 years later, I still remember enough to fool the Spanish 1 students at our high school! Muchas Gracias, Senora Hill. Descanse en paz.
Class of 1981
February 17, 2012
What a privilege to have been one of her students. She was the best!
Sherry Rhinesmith Phillips
Class of '63
Paul Barrett
February 17, 2012
Mrs. Hill loved what she did and was the most dedicated teacher I ever had. She went the extra mile to make sure her students understood what was being presented in class. From the round table classroom (69 & 70 ) to the workbook that she had each of us make, Mrs Hill was a leader. God bless her and be with Raymond, Gail and Bruce.
February 17, 2012
Bruce,I have many wonderful memories of your mom.She was a fine Christian lady and was always positive and enthusiastic.In her quiet way she touched countless lives through the years.Coach Hill could not have chosen a better life partner.The one quality that I think stood out was her kindness to everyone.I always felt uplifted after being around her.Sincerely,Steve Leach,Decatur
February 16, 2012
I graduated Gadsdan High in 1962. For ten years I or one or more of my sisters were taught Spanish by Mrs. Hill. I also had one year of Russian under Mrs. Hill. I cannot imagine a more loved, respected, or dedicated teacher. I still use Spanidh occassionally in my work and often receive compliments on my pronunciation. Mrs. Hill gets all of the credit for that. She badgered it into us with a love of teaching that may be equaled but not exceded. I and my sisters along with thousands of her former students salute her and greive her passing. But we will know where to find her again.
Ken Pierce (Class of '62)
Emily Mauldiin
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill was one of the best teachers I ever had. I graduated Gadsden High School in 1987, and I took her classes for all four years. I will never forget her.
Susan Phillips Jordan GHS '69
February 16, 2012
I am also a "product" of Dora Gene Hill. Because of her, I spent a wonderful career as a Spanish teacher, and considered her my mentor. I asked myself almost daily, "How would Sra. Hill teach this?" She was truly an inspiration to the thousands of people she taught.
I will miss you, my friend.
Margaret Pentecost Patrias
February 16, 2012
I was Mrs. Hill's Spanish student in the late 60s. She had a huge influence on my life, and I am a Spanish teacher today thanks to her. I think of her often and try to inspire my students' the way she did. My heart goes out to her family at this sad time.
Sheila Doretha (Allen) White
February 16, 2012
I entered Gadsden High during the beginning years of integration. Mrs. Hill was the kindest, most compassionate teacher there. Because of her, I went on to minor in Spanish in college. Those were very tough years and I will never forget how welcome she made us feel in the midst of all of that hostility. I thank her for being so Christ - like. She was indeed my very favorite teacher, ever!
telissa jenkins crews
February 16, 2012
I was a Spanish student of Mrs. Hill for three years. I along with other classmates went to Mexico in 1977 for the trip of a lifetime. Mrs. Hill taught much more than Spanish. Her students received life lessons every day. So glad I was taught by this extraordinary lady. My condolences to her family.
Mary Davis
February 16, 2012
There simply was no one else who taught on the intense, lasting level that was characteristic of Dora Gene Hill. She inspired her students to enter another world through language, through traveling with her, through reading perfect texts. There must be a long list of teachers who now pause to remember her bright personality and her contribution to our lives.
I consider myself fortunate to have studied with several master teachers, but none of them connected with their students and with the joy of learning as did Mrs. Hill.
The most complex conversations I ever enjoyed about literary works were with her, as we both raved about the Chilean narrator Donoso. She brightened my visits to Gadsden, as she kept me "up" on the fortunes of her students.
What a standard she set.
My love and sympathy to the whole family, Mary E. Davis
Professor Emerita, University of Oklahoma
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill taught me Spanish in 1978 and ''79! I loved her so and she made it fun. I will always remember our trip to Mexico. I know she was a blessing to so many. God bless you.
Love ,
Angela McKenzie
Alan Gentry
February 16, 2012
Saying "I was a student in Mrs. Hill's Spanish class" is like saying "I was in a hurricane". The words can't begin to express the force of nature that was Mrs. Hill's teaching style.
I was doubly blessed to have played peewee football and basketball for Coach Hill, and then to later have the privilege of learning from Mrs. Hill. Her passion for educating shone through her, and I will always remember her fondly for giving all she had, and for expecting us to do the same.
Bruce and Gail, you are in my prayers during this sad time. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that your mother touched thousands of lives and had a profound impact on everyone who knew her. She made us better than we ever thought we could be.
Cynthia Loyd
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill taught me Spanish and Russian and will always be a part of my life. She was a wonderful teacher. I graduated in 1968 from Gadsden High. May God bless you.Cynthia Pierce Loyd
Marilee Hickman
February 16, 2012
Bruce and family, What a wonderful legacy your mother left with you. That is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can give their children, a heritage they can treasure forever. We are thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers.
Sandy Galloway
February 16, 2012
One of the sweetest FBC couples. Dora you will truly be missed. FBC will not be the same without you. She was wonderful influence & great example to all who knew her.
Jana Higgins Tarleton
February 16, 2012
My absolute favorite teacher that loved her students. I am lucky to say I was one of those students that got to go to Mexico while I was at Gadsden High! She will be missed so much. The best legacy a teacher can leave is one where you make a difference in your student's life and you did. Much love and prayers Coach Hill and family. GHS Class of 1986
Katrina Elkins Herman
February 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mrs. Hill was a teacher that you never forget. Her passion for languages, students, and life in general are to be admired. My trip to Mexico with her is one of my fondest high school memories. She will truly be missed by many.
Jonathan Godbey
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill was the best of the best. She was was everything that is right and good about the teaching profession. It has been over 26 years since I sat in her classroom but I can still hear her voice explaining how 'ecclesiastes' becomes 'church' and how to conjugate any number of Spanish verbs. I learned more English grammar in her Spanish class than I did in all my other English grammar classes. She now speaks the language of Heaven.
Shirley Pierce Robertson
February 16, 2012
To the Hill Family, my heart is with you as you say your farewells to this grand lady! Mrs. Hill taught three of my siblings, and myself during her tenure at GHS, and for years afterward, made me know that we were all special to her! I never ran into her, in public, that she didn't ask about each of us, by name, Ken, Brenda, Shirley and Cynthia, and then she'd tell my husband or my children how much she enjoyed teaching "the Pierce children"! I LOVED THAT! Her dynamic and demanding teaching style inspired her students to do their best and she would accept nothing less of each of us! Because she knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior, we know that the separation is only for a short while and we will see her again! Thank you, Hill family, for sharing this beautiful, dynamic and loving woman with the students she loved to teach at GADSDEN HIGH SCHOOL! I will never forget my precious Mrs. Hill! I love you and thank you for loving me and for inspiring me to do my very best!!!!
Andrew Loveman
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill was a fantastic teacher, but it went well beyond that - she showed passion for foreign languages that simply engulfed you. You couldn't sit through her class without being caught up in her passion. Thank you, Mrs. Hill, for being a part of my learning and my life. You won't be forgetten!
Andrew W. Loveman
GHS - Class of 1988
Johnny Williams, Nora Beth Wiliams Kaiser, Becky Williams Morgan
February 16, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Kari Swann-Davidson
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill,
You were an inspiration to me. I am so sad to read about your death but at the same time, I will always keep in my
heart the good memories of you and your sweet smile. My prayers will be with your family as they go through this time.
Denise Bates
February 16, 2012
What a teacher and what a lady. I studied Russian with Mrs. Hill for two years from 79-81. It was an honor to have her as a teacher.
Mary Welden
February 16, 2012
Mrs. Hill (Dona Dora),
She was by far the best teacher I ever had at any level. She had a passion for teaching and for learning herself. She was a huge influence on my life. The trips she took us on to Spain and Mexico were some of the best high school memories I have. Today, thinking back, that was quit unheard of. She managed to keep up with everyone and make sure we all had a fun learning experience. I feel like she was famous for making many a quote in the classroom. My personal favorite was, "You will never be able to speak a foreign language until you learn how to speak English!!" That day, the Spanish books were closed and we had English for the rest of the day. I am sure word got back to Mrs. Morrow that Mrs. Hill would soon be taking over the English Dept. at GHS! A great lady. Very sad she is gone. Very happy to have been one of her students.
Sarah Ashley
February 16, 2012
Dora Gean was a great person, a dynamic teacher, a cherished co-worker, a caring and loving friend.
Dodie, always, I will remember and love you.
David Hamilton
February 16, 2012
Coach Hill, Bruce and Gail,
I am so sorry to learn of everyones' loss. She was without a doubt a great lady and mentor to so many. We all still have past memories and can reflect on them.
David Hamilton
Debbie Duke
February 16, 2012
We will miss seeing Mrs.Hill sitting with Mr.Hill at "thier" table at Pruett"s, always so sweet and gracious. Our love and prayers are with Mr.Hill and their sweet family.
marvin Bishop
February 16, 2012
Rest in Peace..Professora Hill.
Marie Weaver Myles
February 16, 2012
My heart goes out to Bruce, Gail & the entire Hill family. Dora Gene was the epitome of "a teacher"! It was an honor for me to have known her as one of my favorite teachers and as a collegue while I was teaching. She touched the lives of many and the Alabama educational system will be lacking without her. Vaya con Dios, Dora Gene!
February 16, 2012
What a marvelous person and excellent teacher she was. Her influence on my life was direct and positive. Like so many of her students, I ended up majoring in Spanish without meaning to... She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with her family. God bless you.
Bonnie Barnes Voit GHS'62
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