Betty Jo Hill, age 77, was born on March 5,1947 in Chestnut Mountain, Georgia to the late Rev. Eddie and Willie Mae (Lott) Stephens. She departed this life at her residence in Gainesville, Georgia on Thursday, November 21, 2024 following an extended illness. Early Life Being the firstborn and responsible for her other 8 siblings, she was already experienced when it came to children and cooking as early as age of six. Both of her parents worked long hours, so her 8 siblings were her responsibility. Betty graduated from E. E. Butler High School in 1965. A few years later after graduating, she caught the eye of a handsome, statuesque young man, named Robert Harris Hill, who is self-sacrificing and noble. They were married August 19, 1967, and went on to grow their family of 4 children over eight years. Life’s Work Betty was always a hard worker and always believed in herself that she could achieve anything. She always had a compassionate heart towards helping others. Therefore, she always knew she desired to become a nurse. In the 1980s, Betty earned her LPN nursing degree and worked for Lanier Park Hospital for over 5 years. She also loved working with children at the Ninth District Headstart Preschool. Eventually, she switched gears and became driven towards the prevention of birth defects as Executive Secretary for the March of Dimes organization for over 8 years. Then in 1991, a life-altering car accident derailed her career, but through God’s grace, she persevered. Betty remained active by starting a club, called Women On the Move, which raised funds to help seniors in the Gainesville community. Sometimes the club traveled to perform in sold out plays in Athens and Gainesville. Throughout the years, Betty kept busy sharing her passions of creativity. For instance, she loved designing elegant jewelry, such as necklaces and angel pins, but her favorite pieces to make were earrings. Instead of selling her jewelry, she just enjoyed giving them out to her family, friends, and church members. She also had a talent for making the most beautiful flower arrangements, bouquets, and decorations for weddings. She could take a two-dollar budget and create your dream wedding as if you spent a fortune. The church was a cornerstone in her life, so having been raised in a Christian home, Betty accepted Christ at an early age. She became a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia. She was passionate in teaching adult and children Sunday School for many years. Betty also enjoyed praising God by singing in the mass choir, as well as, serving in the Nursing Ministry. Furthermore, Betty served faithfully at Antioch Baptist Church on the Board of Deaconess for over 50 years, and was Church Secretary. Later Life and Legacy Later in life, Betty and her loving husband, Robert lived quietly together for 57 years. She had always cherished spending time with her family, sisters, brothers, and friends. Her grandchildren, Olivia, Aria, and Gabriel was the joy of her life. One of the most memorable occasions of her life was her 75th Birthday Celebration at her daughter’s home. Reflecting upon the party and the gifts she received and those who helped make it happen brought joy for the rest of her life. Finally, she was truly a Proverbs 31 woman of God that demonstrated the love of Jesus everyday with grace and strength. She will be reunited with her daughter, Stephanie L. Hill, father, Rev. Eddie Stephens, mother, Willie Mae (Lott) Stephens, and her sister, Edna L. Stephens. She is survived by her husband, Robert Harris Hill Gainesville, Georgia; one son: Christopher Rodrick (Cindy) Hill, Winder, Georgia; two daughters: Sybil Rachel (Johnny) Mize, Oakwood, Georgia, Andrea Nicole (Charles) Terry, Flowery Branch, Georgia; four grandchildren: Christopher (Breanna)Tafao, San Francisco, California, Christiarra R. Hill Des Moines, Iowa; Charles J. Terry, Flowery Branch, Georgia; Aria Hill, Winder, Georgia; three great-grandchildren: Olivia Rae Price, Des Moines, Iowa, Meleane Tafao, San Francisco, California, Painuulasi Tafao, San Francisco, California; two brothers: Eddie Lamar (Charlie) Stephens, Flowery Branch, Georgia, Marvin Stephens, Gainesville, Georgia; five sisters: Brenda Pyant, Gainesville, Georgia, Barbara Cobb, Englewood, Ohio, Gloria (John) Darrisaw, Gainesville, Georgia, Mary Stephens, Gainesville, Georgia, Eunice Stephens, Gainesville, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Antioch Baptist Church at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Wimberly Funeral Home between the hours of 12:00 PM- 7:00 PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.
