Minnie H. Hill

Minnie (Harris) Hill transitioned this life on Saturday, December 29, 2018, in Dover, surrounded by her loving family. Minnie was a native of Milford, Delaware, where she was nurtured under the loving care of her late parents, George T. Harris, Sr. and Naomi Thomas Harris. She received her early education at the Benjamin Banneker Elementary School in Milford, and later attended the William Henry Comprehensive High School in Dover, graduating in 1954. Minnie married her sweetheart and soulmate, William Henry Hill, and the two embarked upon raising their family. Minnie entered Delaware State College (now University) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Education, graduating in 1959. Shortly thereafter, she was invited by Dr. Jerome Holland to join his staff as the secretary to the business manager. She ultimately ascended to the position of Supervisor of Student Accounts, where she helped countless numbers of students to navigate their financial challenges and achieve their goals. Once Minnie completed her degree program, she was supportive when Henry entered Delaware State College to advance his career goals. With her encouragement he graduated, in 1963, with a degree in Biology. Being an alumni couple was one of the many aspects of their mutually supportive relationship that they enjoyed throughout their 64 years of marriage. Along with Henry, Minnie supported the causes and the people that they held most dear: family, church and community. They were actively involved in all three. The two shared a great capacity to nurture, which was manifested in the care of their children, grandchildren, and Minnie’s siblings. Minnie gave love and care as freely to her siblings as she did to her own children. She and Henry always maintained an open-door relationship with their extended families, balancing tenderness and tough love, providing the stability that made their home a haven and hub for family unity. Minnie had a capacity and desire for continuous spiritual development. Her personal journey led her to be a dedicated member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church for 48 years. She actively participated in the Senior Choir and Chancel Choir, adding her melodious voice to the soprano section. She especially enjoyed the traditional hymns that she grew up singing and she knew most of them by heart. Minnie would accredit her vast knowledge to having spent a lot of time in church services with her grandfather, who was a United Methodist minister. Minnie also had a capacity for service and was a proud life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. For nine consecutive years, she was the campus advisor to Epsilon Alpha, the undergraduate chapter at Delaware State University. As an advisor, she was forthright in her guidance and was known to be a stickler for following protocol and policies. She always tried to instill in her young sorors the values, behaviors and life skills that would make them successful. When she was elected president of the sorority’s Dover Alumnae Chapter, in 1987, Minnie was respected for her leadership style and attention to decorum. Minnie served as president four consecutive years. When Minnie retired from Delaware State with 37 ½ years of service, she took on volunteerism; working with the Read-A-Loud Program of Delaware for 14 years and serving as a secretary for Whatcoat Church. She was also a member of the Whatcoat finance committee and spent time after church services reconciling accounts. She was recognized by Read-A-Loud, Whatcoat Church and the American Association of University Women for exemplary volunteerism. Minnie also received a dedicated service award from the Delaware State University Alumni Association in 2010. Minnie walked the walk of faith which was her foundation and strength. She continued to love and to believe unto her transitional moments. She leaves a legacy of a life well-lived and a heart well-loved. Minnie leaves to cherish and celebrate her life, her devoted and loving husband of 64 years, William H. Hill; two sons, Andre Hill (Jackie) of Camden, DE and Stephan Hill, of Dover, DE; one daughter, Jocelyn Hill, of Silver Spring, MD; four grandchildren, Jermaine Hill, of Atlanta, GA, Charisse Hill, of Wilmington, DE, Barry Hill, of Philadelphia, PA and Angel Hill, of Alexandria, VA; and eight great children. In addition, she is survived by nine siblings: Eugene “Jimmy” Harris, George T. Harris (Mary), Kathryn E. Harris, Clarence F. Harris, Janice Daniels (Jimmie), Austin W. M. Harris (Diane), Phillip L. Harris (Beatrice), Gwendolyn C. Harris and Deborah P. White (David). She is also survived by one aunt, Ruth Thomas Jackson, of Wilmington, DE and one uncle, Nathan O. Thomas (Lolia) of Philadelphia, PA; and a host of other relatives and friends. To her husband, children, and siblings, Minnie was the embodiment of love and caring. She represented the greatest lessons of the love chapter in the Bible; I Corinthians, particularly, Verse 13 which reads: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. She gave freely of herself to her family who loved her dearly. We will keep precious memories forever in our hearts until we are reunited. Our dear one is now with our Heavenly Father who has granted her peace and rest. Lovingly Submitted by the Family

Minnie H. Hill

May 27, 1936 - December 29, 2018