Billie Jean Hill

JONESBORO - Billie Jean Steadman Hill was born in Jonesboro on March 31, 1949, to Imogene Delores Steadman Rivers and Jesse Henry Rivers. She made her arrival at her grandparents' home at 1200 E. Washington Ave. Peeking into the window was her older brother, Thurmon Rolly Jr. and friends, Sonja Diane Tansley Williams and Clarence "Buster" Stewart. They often recounted the tale of her arrival at birthday celebrations.

She departed this life Saturday, April 6, 2024, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital.

Billie Jean, or "BJ," moved to Madison, Ill., as a child with her mother, father, and brother, Thurmon. She returned to Jonesboro full time at the beginning of the sixth grade.

BJ professed hope in Christ at the age of 12. She was baptized at First Baptist Church by the Rev. W.O. Lindsey alongside her friends Curtis Howard and David Howard. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served in the Missionary Society as the president of the E.W. Jackson Circle.

She was the clerk and secretary for over 40 years and chaired the annual baccalaureate service and the Legends Luncheon. She enjoyed serving as a deaconess at FBC – helping with the communion service, preparing new believers for their baptism, and visiting families during their bereavement.

Billie attended Booker T. Washington High School, where she became fast friends with members of her class. In 1966, BTW was closed, and she integrated into Jonesboro High School. She graduated from JHS in May 1967.

After her high school graduation, Billie Jean embarked on a successful career at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. Her dedication and hard work were evident as she steadily climbed the corporate ladder over the course of 32 years, starting as a telephone operator and eventually becoming a business services representative. She was a proud union member, often standing in solidarity with her team during labor changes.

On Aug. 28, 1971, Bille married her childhood friend, neighbor and the love of her life, Victor Hill. Over the next 52 years, they encountered several adventures, including business ventures, trips around the country, and building a family centered on faith and love.

To this union were born Korey Lanier Hill, Keith Lamar Hill, Bethany Laneece Hill and Mallory Lanee Hill. She also gained another title, "Nonna," to her three grandchildren, Kahdajah Donae Hill, Keashaun Ceyvion Hill and Harper Jameson Hightower.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Imogene and Jesse Rivers, and her brothers, Thurmon Rolly Jr. and Alvis Champ Rivers Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Victor Hill of the home; her children, Korey, Bethany and Mallory Hill of Jonesboro and Keith and Annette Hill of Gainesville, Ga.; her grandchildren, Kahdajah Hill and Keashaun Hill of Gainesville and Harper J. Hightower of Jonesboro; special cousins raised as brothers, James Lee T. Lloyd of Jonesboro and Orlando Arnez Lloyd of Columbia, Md.; special nieces and nephews, Polly (Gary) Clay, Wesley (LaKenya) Anderson Sr., Shalon Rolly-Tate, and Jonetta (Leonard) McBroom of Jonesboro and Alvis Champ Rivers Jr. of Batesville; five sisters-in-love, Hortense Robinson, Sheila Hill, Robin (Tony) Wolfe and Andrea Massie of Jonesboro and Myrna (James) Carruth of Florissant, Mo.; one brother-in-love, Bradley Reed of Jonesboro; and a host of family, friends and community members who were so important to her.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church, 700 Kitchen St. in Jonesboro with the Rev. Curtis R. Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

A visitation will precede the funeral service from 2 p.m. until service time.

Active pallbearers will be Wesley B. Anderson Jr., Malik Anderson, Willie Johnson Sr., Curtis Howard, Trent Rochelle and Curtis Bonds.

Honorary pallbearers will include Leroy Johnson, Roger McKinney, Curtis Tate, David Howard, the deacons of First Baptist Church, Golden Rule Lodge 114, the class of 1967, retirees of Southwestern Bell Telephone Co./ AT&T/Pioneers.

Flower bearers will be Eliza Murphy Order of The Eastern Star 395, PHA; The Royal Grand Chapter Arkansas Jurisdiction Order of the Eastern Star, PHA; and First Baptist Church Deaconess and Missionary Society.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com