Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory - South DeKalb Chapel on Dec. 4, 2025.
Collette Tennille Hill, affectionately called "Pumpkin" by her father, was born August 31, 1976, in
Myrtle Beach, SC, to Collett (Carl) E. Hill and Eleanor R. Barbee-Hill. She was the eldest of three. She transitioned to her eternal home with the Lord at the age of 49 on Saturday, November 29, 2025. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Nelson and Willie Hill, and John and Birdie Barbee.
She was educated at Dyess Middle School, Abeline, Texas and graduated in 1994 from Southwest Dekalb High School,
Decatur, Georgia. There she built long lasting friendships with LaCarya Worthy Rocker, Keisha, Erika, and others. She participated in the band's dance group and formed a singing group, "The Exquizette", which performed at their high school graduation baccalaureate. In furthering her education, Collette earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Spelman College in 1999. Her career journey was marked by dedication and continual self-improvement which led to employment with Delta Airlines, City of Atlanta, UPS, and other employment.
Growing up in a military family, she had the unique opportunity to live in various places including South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, and in Germany. In her travels, special moments with her father were visiting Paris and the Eiffel Tower at the age of seven.
At a young age, during her visits with her beloved Nanny Hill, Collette was introduced to Jesus Christ under the guidance of Rev. Robert Rice, Jr., of the Browns Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. It was there where she began to understand who God was and the importance of having a relationship with God. Her most cherished songs were "Yes Jesus Loves Me" and "Let Your Little Light Shine". As an adult, she later became a member of Greenforest Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor George O. McCaleb. Pastor McCaleb sermons inspired her to fully embrace her faith, accepting God's Gift Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. Collette was the epitome of the scripture, Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in The Way he should go, and even when he is old (and life gets hard), he will not depart from it"
Her greatest earthly Blessings from God were the birth of her son, Michael-Christiann, and her grandson, Caidence Lee. She loved them beyond words and with all her heart.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories: Son, Michael-Christiann Lacy and grandson Caidence Lee Lacy. Parents: Collett (Carl) and Eleanor Hill, Brothers: Evermon Hill (Dakota), and Carlton Hill: Beloved Nephew Porter Jon Hill. Aunties: Ruby Jean Hubbard, Juanita Ewing (Philip), and Joyce Marshall (Bill, deceased) and Betty Hill (Freddie deceased), Cherished Grandmother to her son: Awilda Lacey (Michael, deceased). And a host of loving cousins and lifelong friends. Collette will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering faith, and the joy she brought to those around her.
Let Your Light Shine