06/11/2025
Willie Jean Hill passed away Friday, June 6, 2025. He was born on November 18, 1935 to parents Albert Hill and Pathenia Hill. He was affectionally known to family as "Uncle Jean" and to longtime friends as simply "Jean." His birthplace is stated as Timpson, but he was most proud of being from BOBO, Texas. BOBO, Texas is where he lived his entire life.
Funeral service is at 2pm Saturday, June 14, 2025 at First Smyrna United Baptist Church, 644 Railroad Avenue, Timpson, Texas 75975 with Rev. Charleston Johnson as Pastor and Eulogist. Bishop Cedrick Grace Sr. officiating. Visitation is 1pm until 2pm prior to service on Saturday, June 14 at First Smyrna United Baptist Church. Final Resting place is Smyrna Cemetery, Timpson.
Uncle Jean was a proud graduate of Timpson Colored School. Timpson Colored School is where he cultivated a group of lifelong friendships. He was a Veteran of the US Army and completed a four year-tour of duty. He was employed at Eastman Chemical Company for nearly 30 years until his-well deserved retirement. His retirement from the corporate world didn't mean just kicking back in a rocking chair. He had a farm to run which kept him busy until his health intervened later in life.
Uncle Jean devoted his life to Christ at an early age. He was a lifelong devoted member of First Smyrna United Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas, under the leadership Pastor Charleston Johnson. He served many roles in the church including Sunday school teacher, mentor, and ultimately becoming a leader as a Deacon.
He loved his family and was a great role model and mentor to many. He held his parents in the highest regard and would speak of them glowingly until his final days. He was stern which was balanced with a great sense of humor. He loved to tell stories of history of the black journey in the South. The family has a good time-sharing Uncle Jean stories which we'll cherish forever.
Uncle Jean is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Albert Hill and Pathenia Hill; siblings, Albert Thurston Hill (Alvertis), Louis Hill (Mary), Stermon Hill, and Nina Faye Clark; nieces, Louise Hutson, Rebecca Clark, Felicia Hill; and nephews, Kavanaugh Hill, Sedrick Hill and Kendrick Hill.
His memories will be cherished by:
Several generations of Nephews and Nieces
Special Caretakers: Douglas Hutson, Tara Hutson, Linda Hutson, Janie Zamora, Angelicia Hutson, Tamara Hill, and Dimitrese Edwards.
Lifelong friends: Billy Deramus, Mrs. Hazel Watson, Paul and Elizabeth Pressey, Margie and Alvin Earl, Lillie Jean Goss, Oscar Marshall.
Neighbors: Robert Glazier, Joe Mack Johnson, and Buck Earl (Lois).
A host of other relatives and friends.
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Timpson, Texas.
