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Willie HILTON Obituary
Born July 15, 1923, Bishop Willie J. Hilton is the eldest child of the late James and Betty Hilton. He was preceded in death by Icebell Chamberlin, Alvin Hilton, Charles Hilton, Pastor Anna Sorey, and Levi Hilton.
His surviving siblings are Dorothy Boatwright (Wilbert), Elake Hilton (Odessa), Bishop James E. Hilton (Molly), Thomas Hilton, Frank Hilton, and Florence Hilton. Mrs. Searlean E. Hilton, his dear wife, also precedes him in death.
He received his early education from the North Carolina School System. He earned a Certificate of Achievement from Norfolk State College; Bachelor of Theology Degree from United Christian College; Master of Divinity from Rhema Seminary; Doctorate of Divinity Degree from United Christian College; and Doctor of Humanities from Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute.
In 1942, Bishop Hilton enlisted in the United States Army, departing for service from Newport News, Va. He was a decorated soldier, who served our country with distinction during World War II. In 1946, he received an honorable discharge for dedicated and true service. On Nov. 11, 1994, as a committee member of the Black War Memorial Museum, Bishop Hilton and other distinguished soldiers dedicated the black gallery as a beacon to promote and enlighten others on the history of blacks who served in the United States Armed Forces.
While serving his country, there came the greater call for service to God and His people. Answering the call of God, Bishop Hilton began his ministry at Zion Baptist Church, where he was ordained as Deacon under the leadership of the late Dr. S. S. Sutton. He preached his initial sermon and was ordained under the leadership of Dr. L. T. Daye. In 1973, Bishop Hilton was called to Pastor Calvary United Church of Christ. Under his administration, the church's name was changed to Calvary Community Baptist Church. After seven and a half years of dedicated service, Bishop Hilton left Calvary to do evangelistic work. Being a loyal and obedient servant to God, on April 17, 1982, Bishop Hilton founded and organized Friendship Baptist Church in his home with 13 members. As the church family grew, Bishop Hilton received the vision and heard the voice of God saying, "Build my church." It was the gift of his profession, as a master brick mason, that Bishop Hilton so skillfully built the beautiful edifice of Friendship Baptist Church. It stands today as a monument of his love and glory to God.
Bishop Hilton's work spanned far beyond the church walls. He was a partner with the Newport News Police Department; a graduate of the Newport News Senior Citizen's Police Academy; graduate of the Citizen's Police Academy; crime line member; volunteer at Patrick Henry Mall; and Police Chaplain. He served on the Board of the Office of Human Affairs. He was a supporting Pastor of the "One Church, One Child."
Bishop Hilton is the father to the late Louise McDaniel (Willie), Deacon William Hilton (Barbara), Deacon Wilbert Hilton (Danielle), and the Rev. Dr. Beverly Ashburn (Delton). Left to cherish his memory are grandchildren, Phyllis Hicks (Ronald), Willie Mae Robinson (James), Timothy McDaniel, Stephanie Terrell (Robert), Jason McDaniel, Clayton McDaniel (Cynthia), Moses Alexander McDaniel, Tonya Boyd, Keisha Boyd, Shawn Saunders, Krista Hilton, Kheia Hilton, Mark Hilton, Pauline Foster, Erica Milford, Najla Samuel, and Raida Hilton. He leaves the PaPa crew of Asabi, Amir, Yasir; a host of great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends, all whom will miss him dearly.
Bishop Hilton will lie in state on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 at noon; the Christian Wake will follow at 7 p.m., at Friendship Baptist Church.
The Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at noon at Friendship Baptist Church. Bishop James E. Hilton will be conducting the eulogy. The interment will be held at Hampton Memorial Gardens. The repast will be held at Friendship Baptist Church following the interment.
The family wishes to thank the Friendship Baptist Church family; the health staff of Riverside Regional Medical Center; Dr. Mark Clark, Dr. Brian Baines, and Dr. David Conito, for their outstanding care.
In the book, "To Life," Stories of Courage and Survival, "The Promise …" When the Great One saw that there were still honorable men and women trying to do the right thing, to teach justice and liberty and honor, He paused… He said …. I see, my little Angel, you are right. There are people who still care, who have honor and who fight injustice. I will refrain from my destruction as long as I see ONE "Just Man" on Earth, still working for the good of all. I will honor man, if he will honor Me by continuing to fight for all of humanity." Bishop Willie J. Hilton departs this earth as one of the "Just Men."
Professional services are rendered by O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie HILTON
Joseph Hardy
December 8, 2009
Friendship Baptist Church Family and to the entire Hilton family. My wife and I just received the news of our beloved bishop's passing. We were so delighted to have met the bishop and to have him in our lives for the short time we were living in Newport News. He definately was an inspiration to our family and we will miss him dearly. Heaven is rejoicing because he lived the life that he preached. We were not perfect but he always instilled in us that we were in the "right place" (church that is) to get right. We thank God for an OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL. May God continue to bless you and your church family.
Respectfully,
Mr. & Mrs Joseph (Sharon) Hardy and our Daughter Braelyn. We love you all.
Alvina "Al" Lewis
December 4, 2009
Hilton and Friendship Baptist Church Families...THANK YOU for sharing Bishop Hilton with people like me; once lost and searching, not knowing what I was looking for, but needing. God sent me to Friendship, where I found leadership, mentorship, and above all God's presence in my beloved Bishop Hilton. I'm so thankful and greatful to have met such a wonderful, caring, and fatherly man and to still call Friendship "home". My trips back to VA/Friendship won't be the same with him. He will be greatly missed.
Beulah Davis, Riverside Hospice
December 2, 2009
Beverly and Family,
I did not ever get to meet Rev. Hilton, but heard lots of wonderful comments about him. It is very evident how he loved his family and church. He made such an indelible impression upon you and the community.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to each of you at the passing of Rev. Hilton. I pray for your comfort as you journey on without his physical presence, but the faith to know that he at peace in his eternal resting place.
Be encouraged and blessed.
Barbara Nelson
December 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sis. Reamona Lloyd-Paige
December 1, 2009
To Dr.B.and all of the Hilton family. It has been such an honor to even be able to say that I knew Bishop.I have ofetn wished that I was truly his daughtor . Bishop was a humble but strong man. I have never met anyone like him. I became fastenated with him from the fist time I walked into Friendship and he was teaaching on how to live life Gods way and not mans way. I feel as if a part of me has been cut away, but I know that I will get that part back if I live right. Bishop taught us how to live an abundant life in Jesus! To God Be The Glory! and I love you all....
Margaret Reese
November 30, 2009
To Dr. Beverly Ashburn and the Friendship Family.
When I heard the news of Rev Hilton's passing, I could only rejoice in my heart, because I know he's shouting in Heaven. He prepared us for this day long ago. He was a man of wisdow, love, and much happiness. Rev and Sis Hilton,and Friendship Baptist Church will always be a part of me and my sons. He will be missed, but he is alright. I love you all and I'm praying for you and the Church family. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Respectfully, Tony, Reggie, and Margaret Reese
3057 Waldorf, MD 20603
Clementine Stanley
November 30, 2009
May God bless you and your family , I am praying for you . LIFT up your heads to GOD him will keep you .
Laron Washington
November 30, 2009
To the Hilton Family, words cannot express how I felt when I got the news concerning Bishop's passing. He was truely an AWESOME Man of God and made a tremendous impact on my spiritual walk. From his sermons, bible studies, and open talks he was ALWAYS about God's business. For that my family and I are forever grateful having served under him while in VA. We will all miss him however, he left us in good hands by ALWAYS pointing us to Christ. Bro Laron, Dia, and Azsha (The Washingtons) FBC Min of Music 1997 -2000. We love you all with the love of the Lord
Larry Hilton
November 30, 2009
May the presence of the Lord God Almighty, continue to dwell , rule and abide with Our Family.....with the fondest of memories.....Larry Hilton
November 30, 2009
I WAS SADDENED WHEN I HEARD THAT PASTOR HILTON PASSED. HE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART, BECAUSE WHEN HE WAS IN RIVERSIDE HOSPITAL I WAS ONE OF HIS NURSING ASSISTANT AND HE WAS ALWAYS JOLLY AND MADE ME LAUGH. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US. THANK YOU FOR SENDING HIM OUR WAY. JACKIE JONES
CNA.
Robert Sawyer
November 29, 2009
We know you (the Hilton and Friendship Baptist Church Family) will miss the presence of your father and spiritual leader. You are blessed to have had such a great man in your lives for so many years. His spirt of love, as well as the legacies he leaves behind, will bring much comfort for years to come. May God bless each of you! (Robert and Lula Sawyer)
Elder Regina Thigpen
November 29, 2009
Greetings to u Rev. Ashburn, the Hilton Family & the Friendship Church Famiy:I just wanted to pause ,and let you all know my heart was sadden to acquire the news of the homegoing of Bishop Willie J Hilton a mighty , annointed, preacher, teacher, father, grandfather, great grandfather, pastor and friend to many!I have known him ,and your family 20 plus years, and he was always been a inspiration and a pillow of strength for my life, and my son's life. Heaven is more richer to have him there. He lived the life he preached about!You all continue to be stong in the Lord, and in th power of his might!Keep looking to the hills from whence cometh your help knowing that all of you help cometh fom the Lord.Our love thoughts, and prayers substain you all.
God Bless You
November 29, 2009
To the Hilton family: I know this is a sad time, but also a happy time because you know that Bishop Hilton has gone to be with the Lord. He was a wonderful man. When I came to Friendship Institute of Theology, he made me feel a part of the family. I loved him for his kindness and faithfulness to God. May you continue to be encouraged and thankful for the impact that he has made in this world. With heartfelt love Rebecca Boyd and Family
Tonya Mitchell(Antioch Bap Ch, N.N,Va)
November 29, 2009
My heart is sadden on the lost of a Great man. As a child i grow up knowing Rev Hilton. He was a great minister and inspiration to the community. Be strong family for rthe battle he was fighting is now over. He has his place in Glory with his Father.
MSBC FELLOWSHIP USHERS
November 28, 2009
To the Hilton & Friendship Baptist Church Families:
We, the Fellowship Gatekeepers of Morning Star Baptist Church, Hampton, Virginia are offering our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Shepherd, Bishop Hilton. We are also at a loss because our First Lady went home to be with the Lord on November 20th.
Let us continue to pray for each other, because the day, nor the hour is known, when the Death Angel will come again.
May all of God's Blessings continue to shower upon each of you. The Comforter is here, can't you feel him? We Can!
Pastor Pruden and The Greater Joy Family
November 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 28, 2009
To the Hilton Family and Friendship Baptist Church:
With much love I send you my deepest condolences.
May the Peace of God be with you always.
Cozette K. Burnette
November 28, 2009
Dr. Beverly,
I remember the first time I heard your father's voice when I was in choir rehearsal with WTJZ Mass Choir. Not knowing at that time that your father was the pastor of this church, I told my friend, I know that voice. I remember his voice from my childhood when he and my father, James Batts, were friends. I asked your dad is your nickname "Bubba" and he said yes. I told him who I was and he just hugged me.
Your father was a blessing to so many individuals and he will truly be missed.
The lost of a loved one is never easy when we try to accept the passing in our own strength. But from personal experience, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God makes no mistakes; thus we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens us." Put your trust and your sorrow in the Hands of God and He will sustain you and your family during this time.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Be Blessed,
Dr. Maria Wingfield-Saunders
Pastor, Transformation Worship Center
Lena Wilson-Brown
November 28, 2009
The Moore, Wilson-Brown Family of 37th Street would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved one.
Catherine Williams
November 28, 2009
To Danielle Hilton and family: Your father-in-law's life was a living testimony of his love and labor for the Lord. When people saw him, they saw a reflection of God in his actions and deeds. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God's love will heal,help and sustain
you as you continue to walk in love and in His word.Peace and love. Rev. Dr. Catherine Williams ( Fort Washington, Md).
November 28, 2009
To the Hilton Family and The Friendship Church Family: May God bring strength, comfort, and peace in the homegoing of Dr. Hilton. We will remember him as God's Giant as he leaves the legacy of His love and his great work for God. Our prayers are with you as you take fresh courage in knowing that Dr. Hilton is safe in the arms of God.
Rev. Chris and Dr. Esther Sanchious, King's Court Ministries, Fayetteville, North Carolina
November 27, 2009
To The Family of Bishop Willie J.Hilton A great man of God and Pastor of Pastors. Served God and God's people with love, grace, and diligence. Being our first Pastor at Friendship Baptist Church Shell Rd., Hampton, Va. Pastor Hilton put in place a foundation of Christ like principles of salvation, faith and truth. A man of great character and integrity. Always concerned about everything and everybody.
May the love of God bless and keep you all.
With Sincere Condolences,
Elders Ernest & Lillie Green
Omega Jones
November 27, 2009
To the HIlton Family... Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Being a member of Bishop James E. Hilton's church, I can honestly say that the Hiltons have been a very influential part in the spiritual development of me and my family. The name definitely leaves a legacy. A legacy that is known for saving souls.
November 27, 2009
Our prayers are with your family. It is evident that Bishop Willie Hilton has left a "legacy" for all of us to follow.
Dr. J. David Ford
President of More Than Conquerors School of Theology
November 27, 2009
Jesus Christ has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and hope. we pray that God will keep you all in perfect peace. Love you, Deacon David Newsome
and Evangelist Shirley Newsome
Albert Morgan
November 27, 2009
November 27, 2009
Dr. Beverly Ashburn
C/O Friendship Baptist Church
1135 37th Street
Newport News, VA 23607
Dear Dr. Beverly Ashburn,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It is only Him who can sustain and keep you and your family during these hours. I am not able to be with you during the loss of your beloved father, Bishop Willie J. Hilton. However, you and your family are in the prayers of the Union Baptist Temple family.
My words are inadequate. So, I encourage you with familiar words of comfort, healing and promise not from me, but from Him. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? Yes, we are fully confident and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Be still and know I am God.
May you feel His Comfort and Covering,
Albert L. Morgan, Pastor
Ashley Chandler
November 27, 2009
To the Hilton Family: My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family from me and my family Bishop Hilton was my famlies bishop for many years. I grew up in that church I will truly miss him and may god be with you and your family in this time of bureavement.
Sincelry,
Ashley and Bettye Chandler and famliy
Robin Hilling
November 26, 2009
Beverly,
I am so sorry to read of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Delton, and your family.
Clara Jones
November 26, 2009
Too the Hilton Family: We are praying for your strength in the Lord to sustain you and the church family during you hour of bureavement.
"God Don't Use But One Man"
Susie Rumble and Family
Rev. Otis & Jacqueline A. Sanders
November 26, 2009
To the family of Bishop Willie J. Hilton, we embrace you tenderly with our prayers and thoughts during this time, even through the sorrow, the eternal glory that has dawned for your father, beloved pastor and friend, The Rev. Dr. Willie J. Hilton.
His love and guidance contributed greatly to the ministry God has entrusted to me.
We are grateful to God that He blessed us with the opportunity to get to know this great man of God. He was truly a friend of all that knew him.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthens you..." II Thessalonians 2:16,17
Sabrina Furman
November 26, 2009
The the Hilton Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of such a great man of God. I visited his church a few times in the '80s and enjoyed each visit. May God comfort you all as only God can.
November 26, 2009
To the Hilton Family:
I knew your father only from a brief chat. But from that conversation and from the things I have seen him do, I know that he was a honorable man. I am thankful honored that he passed through my life.
Reggie Williams
Bishop N. A. Davis
November 26, 2009
Too the Hilton Family were sadden at this departure. He inspired many near and far I met him briefly in the 90's and he encouraged me by his mere presence and statue of God's Earthly Messinger.
CYNTHIA HOLLEY-WILLIAMS
November 25, 2009
THE HOLLEY FAMILY OF 1111-34TH STREET WAS TRULY BLESSED BY THE LOVE AND FRENDSHIP OF DR. WILLIE J. HILTON. HE BAPTIZED SOME OF US AND HE MARRIED SOME OF US AND INSPIRED ALL OF US. SLEEP ON IN THE LOVING ARMS OF GOD.
charlotte clark
November 25, 2009
TO beverly(great daughter of zion), ashburn and hilton family as well as the friendship baptist church family-i charlotte clark a long time friend and follower of rev. hilton send my deepest sympathy and prayers from my family to yours as well as the zion baptist church family(rev. tremayne johnson 633-20th st. n.n. va)"no matter what trust god" if there is anything i can do let me know
love
charlotte clark & family
Rev. Mario Hatchett, Pastor- New Destiny Center
November 24, 2009
To the Hilton Family and the Friendship Baptist Church,
It hurt me deeply to hear of the passing of this great man. Bishop was an inspiration to people everywhere and will be greatly missed. My heart felt sympathy and prayers are extended to you during this time. May God continue to strengthen you in the days to come.
Cheryl Crawford
November 24, 2009
TO the Hilton family;
It is with much love that i send my
condolences to the family at this time. Just wanted you to know that Bishop was and will always be a very
special part of my life! He will never be forgotten!know that i loved him dearly!! If there is anything that i can do please feel free to ask.Know that i am praying for you all. Love Cheryl Crawford
Linda Whitfield
November 24, 2009
Dr. Ashburn, Hilton Family, and the Friendship Baptist Church Family, may God Comfort you during this time of saddness. For Matthew 5:4 reads: Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Trust God, No Matter What."
Love and Prayers
Linda and Family
Deborah Marsh
November 24, 2009
u always made me smile at church love u great granddad
sweetpea
November 24, 2009
To The Hilton Family & Friendship Church Family our prayers and sympathy go out to you. Bishop Hilton will be missed greatly, but it warms the soul to know that he is present with the Lord.
God Bless
Pastor Alonzo & Evang. Fredericka McDaniel
Yolanda Wright
November 24, 2009
To the Hilton family,
It was difficult when we recieved the news that Bishop had went to be with the Lord. But we rejoice because we know God is well pleased with his faithful servant. Not only was Bishop an awesome Pastor but he was an awesome Leader with greeat wisdom and vision. I am blessed to have been under his leadership for the last 11 plus years. His life and testimony will continue to speak from generation to generation.
We will continue to pray for the family, his grand children and great grand childern. May God continue to give you peace and assurance knowing that we shall see him again.
With Love,
Yolanda Wright & Family
Elder Robbi Peay-Everette
November 24, 2009
Bishop Hilton played a vital role to me becoming the vessel I am in Christ. He always would tell me what he saw in me and for me to believe in myself. I am thankful for God using him to push me into ministry. I will always consider Bishop Hilton as my father in minstry and Friendship Baptist my home. Thank you to all and my prayers are for the entire Hilton Family.
Jerry dysick
November 24, 2009
Bretherens and the Hilton's family, my deepest sympathy to such a great loss of a love one and a friend. If I can be of any assistance during this bereavement please do not hesistate to call on me.
Thomas Turner
November 23, 2009
To my brothers from Past Master Thomas Turner #268 ,You have my condolences
Ronald@Beverly Johnson
November 23, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Lloyd Barner
November 23, 2009
Wibur,William,Bevely and the Hilton Family, Our Hearts go out to you at this difficult time.We were sorry to hear you have lost someone so precious to your heart. We know words can't begin to comfort you at this sad time, but please remember how much you are cared about, and know you are being kept in thoughts of deepest care and love.
The Barner Family,
Bobby, Vickie and Poke.
Sharon Collier
November 23, 2009
May the grace of God. your precious memories and the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
With sincere regards,
Sharon Harden Collier
November 23, 2009
I am offering my condolences to the Hilton family; "Just remember earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal".
Love and prayers for the family.
Mrs. Bowen
Steven Brown
November 23, 2009
Beverly,Wilbur and William
On behalf of the Brown and Smith familes we express our heartfelt condolences in the home going of Bishop Willie J.Hilton. A great General in the army of the Lord.Please know that his labor in the kingdom has been recognized and appreciated by all who knew and loved him.If we can assist in any way,please call on us and be sure to know that our prayers and thoughts go out to you, the grands, great grands and all members of the Hilton family.
With sincere condolences,
Pastor Steve Brown, Deacon and Deaconess Ben Smith and Family
Nancy Kemp
November 23, 2009
May God be with you and your family
at your time of need. I will forever
remember you all with much love.
love you all forever.
Nancy Kemp.
Deborah Marsh
November 23, 2009
miss u great granddad love u u always showed happiness n church u will be missed truily
love ur great granddaughter sweetpea
November 23, 2009
i miss u n love u great granddaddy
love ur great granddaughter Deborah marsh
known as Sweetpea
Shauntae Watson-Jones
November 23, 2009
I was truly saddened by the news of the lost of Bishop Hilton but I feel so privileged to have known him and to have been a member of his congregation for the last 13 years. It warms my heart when I think of the day he married my husband and I. It was such a beautiful day made extra special by Bishop Hilton's charm and presence. My condolences to the Hilton family, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dea. William Smith
November 23, 2009
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
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