Geraldine Dorsey Hill

Life Story of Sis Geraldine Dorsey Hill
Geraldine Dorsey Hill, the eighth child born to the union of Easter Davis and Hannibal Dorsey, entered this world on October 13, 1933. From the very beginning, only Almighty God Himself knew the impact she would have on her family, community, and all who crossed her path. Raised in a home devoted to the Lord, she accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Amos Sumler, pastor of Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Boutte, Louisiana.
During the summer of 1951, Geraldine met the love of her life, Wilbert T. Hill, Sr.-known to many as "Bill," but affectionately called "Daddy" by Gerry. It was love at first sight when he playfully asked, "Who's the fox with the long hair?" From that moment, their connection blossomed. After several months of courting, they knew they were meant to share life's journey together. On March 21, 1952, they were united in holy matrimony, and their union was blessed with five children: Gwendolyn, Wilbert Jr., Garland, Mathilda, and Regina. Over the next 53 years, their marriage-ordained by God-became a cornerstone of faith, love, and service to family, church, and community.
As one of the youngest of the Dorsey family, she was tasked with preparing family meals. What began as a household responsibility soon blossomed into a passion-and a way for her to serve the Lord. She sang joyfully in the church choir and diligently fulfilled her responsibilities as church secretary. Always willing to help, she prepared and sold plate lunches to raise funds for the church, a common way to sustain the ministry in those days. After the appointment of a new secretary, she joined the Senior Usher Board, later becoming its president after the passing of her beloved Aunt Pearl Davis. Sister Hill also co-chaired the Annual Women's Day program alongside her dear friend, Sister Shirley Mae Boyd Washington, and faithfully held both positions until God called her home.
Gerry's cooking skills earned her a position on the night shift at the Creole Kitchen, where she worked alongside Delita Johnson. By day, she performed housekeeping duties for several prominent families in the parish. Ever resourceful, she also cleaned wild ducks for local hunters-often keeping a few for her own meals. Her brother Lester-known affectionately as Buster-nicknamed her "The Black Jew," admiring her ability to "wheel and deal" with the best of them.
Buster and Geraldine shared a spirit of creativity and determination. Though Buster could not drive, he purchased a school bus and persuaded Gerry to operate it. Together, they used the bus to bring joy and opportunity to African American children in their community, transporting them to Lincoln Beach in New Orleans and Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville-two of the few recreational areas open to Black families at the time. They also drove them to softball games in nearby parishes. Inspired by those experiences, Geraldine later purchased her own bus, #94, and drove for St. Charles Parish Public Schools for 18 years. She took great pride in her work and the countless young lives she touched before retiring in 1991.
Even after retirement, her commitment to service never wavered. She continued supporting her church's youth ministry, working alongside her husband, who served as Superintendent of Sunday and Vacation Bible School. Together, they provided nourishing snacks for the children and provided transportation to Pontchartrain Beach for fun and fellowship.
As her passion for cooking continued to flourish, Geraldine transformed it into a thriving enterprise. She became a vendor at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where her Fricassée de Poulet (stewed hen) and crawfish etouffeé earned her a loyal following. Over the years she perfected a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including stuffed crabs, seafood-stuffed bell peppers, crawfish étouffée and bisque, stuffed red fish, and her famous catfish supreme. Affectionately known as "Jay1" she was featured in several publications, including The Herald Guide and The Sportsman's Paradise, which celebrated both her culinary mastery and her skill as an avid fisherwoman.
Proudly, two of Geraldine's children followed in her culinary footsteps. Ever the supportive mother, she eagerly share her expertise to help them build successful businesses. She worked alongside her son, Wilbert ("Pops"), when he opened Pop's Café, and later assisted her daughter, Gwen, with her catering business, Hill and Hill Party Planners, and her deli, My Sister's Place. Even with the closing of those ventures, Jay simply could not give up her love for cooking and entertaining. With the support of Bill and their children, she generously opened up her heart and home to countless people from churches, schools, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Adding to her many roles, Geraldine also served as a devoted caregiver to her elderly aunts-Hattie, Lou, Pearl, and Lillian. With her characteristic compassion and financial wisdom, she helped manage their needs and ensure their comfort and dignity in their later years.
On October 22, 2025, at the blessed age of 92, Sister Geraldine peacefully transitioned from her earthly home, her spirit now ever-present with the Lord. She will be cherished and remembered by those who loved her most: her children, Gwendolyn (Donald) Scott, Garland (Debra), Mathilda, and Regina Hill (Lener); bonus children, Paul Turner and Josie Mae Johnson; grandchildren, Kyla (Brandon) Lumkins, Farrah McKenzie (Kerwin), Tonyaneka and Ashanté Hill, Kimberly (Kenny) McBeath, Larry A. (Ariane) Mitchell, Justin M. (Brandon) Turner, Don O'Neil (Toni) and Kewain Scott; great-grandchildren, Breichel Winchester, Brandon Lumkins, Jr., Imani Gros, Kayiell and Donrell McKenzie, Jr., Faith, Javon, and Cameron Coger, Ryan Hill, Kendall and Kasey McBeath, Ariah and Liam Mitchell, and SiLynn Scott; great-great-grandchildren, Bryce Trepagnier, Blake Vessell, and Bryleigh Winchester; one sister, Marguerite Dorsey; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Dorsey, Linda Dorsey, and Dorothy Hill; one brother-in-law, Morris Williams; one godson, Andre V. Castro; eldest niece, Gwendolyn McKay; a lifelong friend, Thelma Alexander LeBeauf, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert T. Hill, Sr.; her parents, Easter Davis and Hannibal Dorsey; one son, Wilbert T. Hill, Jr.; one granddaughter, Natashia Hill; one bonus daughter, Cheryl Borne; six sisters, Clementine Boyd, Grace (Anthony) Alexander, Alice Evans, Estelle (Jerry) Lyons, Ruth McKay, and Bertha Brown (Walter) Howard; four brothers, Lester Bailey, Sr., Clarence, Harry, and George Dorsey; several in-laws, Dorothy, Gloria, Warren Sr., Albertine and Roland (Brenda) Hills, Carolyn Markey, Lela Williams, Joe (Marion), Melvin (Delores), Clyde (Julia), Donald, and Leonard (Sumako) Hill.
Sister Geraldine's life was a living testimony of faith, love, and generosity. Whether through a comforting meal, a kind word, or a helping hand, she embodied the spirit of Christ in all she did. Her legacy of love will continue to shine brightly through each generation of her family and those who were blessed to know her.
Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors Officers, and Members of Mt. Airy Baptist Church and all neighboring Churches are invited to the Celebration of Life Services at 11:00am on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Mt. Airy Baptist Church, 13635 Old Spanish Trail, Boutte, LA 70039. Rev. Clyde J. Staes, Pastor-Officiating. Visitation 9:00am until the time of service at the above-named Church. Interment Mt. Airy Cemetery, Boutte, LA. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. "Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.
The Funeral Service will be live streamed on Patrick H Sanders Funeral Home Facebook page and/or Mt. Airy Baptist Church of Boutte Facebook page.
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