Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

The remarkable life of Viola Hill came to an end on Monday, March 27, 2023, but it opened a new chapter for her family and friends to honor her by building on her shining legacy of faith, patience, love, and generosity. She was a devout Christian, the matriarch the family, and a precious jewel among her friends. Her life was a shining example of what it means to be a faithful servant of God. Mother Hill was born Viola Thurmond in Tehula, Mississippi on October 20, 1922, to doting parents, Lennie Thurmond and Mattie Brooks Thurmond. She was the cherished daughter and second child to this union and was raised with Christian values that she carried with her throughout her life. Mother Hill was educated in the Greenwood-Leflore Consolidated School District and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1940. After graduation she joined family in Detroit, Michigan and there met the love of her life, Jessie Hill, who adored her. She moved to his hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, married, and became a beloved member of the Hill Schultz family and the East Beckley community. She was an exceptional woman, a devoted wife, a loving mother of her four children whom she cherished. Viola remained a stay-at-home mother until all her children completed their high school education. Once they graduated, she began working at the East Beckley Nursing Home for several years and later accepted a job with Stone and Thomas in Housekeeping for 16 years until she retired. Mother Hill and her husband joined Central Baptist Church in 1951, and she became a dedicated member for more than 30 years. She enjoyed working in the kitchen ministry. She spread God's love to all who listened. Her warn smile, kind words, caring demeanor, and fashionable attire caught the attention of everyone she met. She held the honor of being Central Baptist Church's most elder congregant. After relocation to the Atlanta area, she joined the High Praise Christian Ministries. There, she was a member of the Food Pantry Committee where she assisted in the distribution of food to the less fortunate in the community. Mother Hill was a compassionate friend, and a faithful servant of God and her love knew no bounds. All who were blessed to know Mother Hill knew she was a woman of noble character, who worked tirelessly to provide for her family and community. She was known for her ability to manage her household with wisdom and grace. Her family looked up to her as their shining example of strength, perseverance, and selflessness. This virtuous woman was not only smart and capable but was kind-hearted and generous. She was known for cooking and serving anyone who entered her home. She sent her delicious food and signature cakes and pies throughout her community, and gratefully they were received. And for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and children of the community, she would stretch one lemon to make lemonade all day for all the thirsty little people. She used what resources she had and shared with others. She was always ready to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, and a warm smile. People looked to her for inspiration and cherished her unconditional love. Mother Hill's dedication to her family was unwavering. As her health began to decline. she found solace in spending time at the homes of her three daughters, Frances in Indianapolis. Barbara in Atlanta, and Victoria in Columbus. Over recent years and until her peaceful departure, she lived exclusively with her daughter. Barbara and husband Ben, in their Atlanta home. Her grandson, Michael, visited and cared for his "grandma” regularly. He was a great source of joy to her as she was to him also. Mother Hill made many friends while in Atlanta and was blessed to reconnect to a dear friend from Beckley who relocated to Atlanta, Mrs. Tiny Washington. The two of them enjoyed many days of visiting. driving, and shopping for hats. Mother Hill's beloved husband of 45 years, Jessie Hill; her parents, Lennie Thurmond, Sr and Mattie Brooks Thurmond; her cherished son, Orlando and her dear brother, Lennie Thurmond Jr preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Frances Walter, Barbara Sanders-Norwood (Ben) and Victoria Goodson; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; I great-great-grandchild; nieces, nephews; cousins; friends and her spiritual family. She will be greatly missed by all who remember her as a kind gentle and selfless soul. Her 100-year legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the hearts she influenced, and the memories she left behind. Her family and friends will always remember the beautiful person she was and will continue to be grateful for the profound impact she had on their lives. We take comfort in knowing that she is now in the arms of her Heavenly Father, who welcomed her home with open arms, We celebrate her life and can only imagine the joy she brings to those on the other side. Rest in Peace Dear Mother. Your Life Will Always Be an Inspiration to Us All..

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, April 7, 2023 at Central Baptist Church 197 Brooks St. Beckley with Pastor Franklin Hairston officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.