Estelene Strong Hill

Hill Estelene Strong Hill Estelene Strong Hill, 86, went to be with her Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of July 1, 2011. Having previously resided in Nederland, Texas, she was a resident at Summer Place Nursing and Rehabilitation at the time of her death. Estelene was born in Huxley, Texas on February 25, 1925, to parents Virgil and Fleta Strong as the fourth of nine children. A child raised during the depression, she attended Shelbyville schools while working on a humble family farm. After moving to Beaumont following graduation from Shelbyville High School in 1943, she obtained her Bachelor's degree from Lamar University and later her Master's degree from Stephen F Austin University in Nacogdoches. While pursuing her education, she worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and Mid-Jefferson County Hospital. She led by example to motivate others to pursue educational goals despite hardships and setbacks. A devout believer in quality education, she dedicated her life to the education of young people. She began her career as a public school teacher in the Port Arthur Independent School District, followed by a twenty-two year teaching profession at Sabine Pass Independent School District, teaching 1st and 5th grade, and retiring in 1992. Following retirement, she continued to tutor students in the quest of academic excellence. Until her illnesses prevented her from regular attendance, she was an active member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Beaumont where she served as a congregation hostess, choir member, as well as a piano and accordion player. She delighted in serving her Lord Jesus Christ and sharing the gospel with others. Her Biblical wisdom was an inspiration and encouragement to all she came in contact with. Her passions also included traveling, reading, and gardening. She is survived by her three children, Leslie Craig Hill of Nederland, Arthur Hill and wife, Kathy Hill of Hamshire, and Martha Hill of Dallas; grandchildren, Jessica Hill of Dallas and Zeke Hill and wife, Jessica Hill of Nederland; brothers, Elzine Strong and wife, Doris Strong of Lufkin, and GW Strong and wife, Bettie Strong of Center; sisters, Lottie Hammett of Orange and Louise 'Boggie' Pickering and her husband, Ronnie Pickering of Vidor; Lovingly known as Aunt Esther, she leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Hill; parents, Virgil and Fleta Strong; sisters, Mildred Wooten of Orange, Texas and Mozelle Recquardt of Magnolia, Texas; and brother, Billy Tom Strong of Center, Texas. Her funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2011, at Strong Community Church, Huxley with interment to follow at Strong Cemetery, Huxley under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of her family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Broussard's. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary contributions be made to Triumph Ministries International, P.O. Box 180309, Arlington, Texas 76096-0309. Complete and updated information may be found at www.broussards1889.com.