Mrs. Willa Mae Hill died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, in Lynchburg, Tennessee, just ten days before her 86th birthday. She was born on August 12, 1931 to William and Twila Hixson in Darragh, PA. She was the youngest of five children, all of whom have proceeded her in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Leland Hill and her two children and their spouses, Gregg and Cynthia (Shrader) Hill and Kim and Ed Fields. She is the grandmother of four grandchildren: Travis and Login Hill and Teddy and Thomas Fields.
Willa graduated from Otterbein University in 1952 with a degree in music. While at Otterbein she received the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges award. After graduation, she taught music at all grade levels for ten years before retiring to take care of her children. She then taught piano and voice at home. Willa was the organist and choir director for the United Methodist Church in Madison, Pennsylvania until 1978, when the family moved from Pennsylvania to Fayetteville, Tennessee. She sang soprano in the church choir at First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville until 2012.
Willa had a beautiful voice and enjoyed being the female soloist with the Irwin Male Chorus. She was also a member and soloist with the Westmoreland Chorale and the Huntsville Community Chorus.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 200 Elk Avenue N, Fayetteville, followed by visitation with the family until 7:00 pm. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Willa Mae Hill.
10 Comments To "Willa Mae Hill"
#1 Comment By Wanda Shelton On August 5, 2017 @ 2:53 pm
Mrs. Hill was such an amazing singer and she moved me to smile and to tears so many times from the choir! Bless her family during this time of loss.
#2 Comment By Toni Locke On August 5, 2017 @ 3:24 pm
Willa was an incredible lady and musician. I count myself very fortunate to have been a member of her church bell choir. She was intensely serious about church music but had sufficient sense of humor to put up with us rookie ringers just before her retirement from being director of music at First United Methodist. Thanks for sharing her with us. Much love and many prayers for your family.
#3 Comment By Betty Zimmerle Smith On August 5, 2017 @ 4:19 pm
Mrs. Hill was my piano teacher in 1979-80 recommended by Lawton Neely (music minister of First Baptist Church at the time). She was a kind and accomplished lady and I still have the classical piano books with her graceful handwriting on the assigned pages. She was an inspiration. What an example of a well-lived life!
#4 Comment By John Sanders On August 5, 2017 @ 4:48 pm
Mrs. Willa’s voice lives in all her heard her sing.
#5 Comment By Terry and Rosie Little On August 5, 2017 @ 6:20 pm
Most of our Worship Services when we served FUMC in Fayetteville, were highlighted by the beautiful voice of our dear Friend, Willa Hill! Her exquisite renditions of “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, ” were so meaningful to all on Easter Sundays! She sang only as one who did indeed Know, and now we know that she is rejoicing where the Soul never dies! We send our Love to Sam and the Children, whom she loved dearly, and want you to know we cherish all our good times together!
#6 Comment By Anita Noel On August 5, 2017 @ 6:30 pm
I feel that I have lost a “very good friend” in Willa. We had lots of good times in the many years that I have done her hair. We will all miss her but she was so uncomfortable the last few months, at least she is at peace!
#7 Comment By Patty Lynn McCoy On August 6, 2017 @ 3:59 pm
Many cherished memories of Aunt Wlla Mae will always be with us, and comfort us as we say goodbye. Her cheerfulness and loving ways were truly uplifting, and the varied talents she displayed throughout her life, indeed remarkable. We are especially grateful for the blessing of her beautiful solo at our wedding years ago. With Love and Sympathy, Patty and Al McCoy
#8 Comment By Clay Jackson On August 6, 2017 @ 10:08 pm
Mrs, Hill was an amazing talent and I’m so thankful she shared it with everyone.
One of my biggest memories was when I was in High school, (late ’70’s),she directed the Church play “Get Involved”.
Heaven is singing louder now!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
#9 Comment By Blair Dunivan On August 7, 2017 @ 1:11 am
I had the honor of playing alongside Willa in the 1993 CHP Joseph production. She was such a treasure. She advised me on my LCHS talent show routine that year (the year I won grand champion), and I have never forgotten that. She was a wonderful woman, and I extend all of my love and sympathy to her family and friends.
#10 Comment By Rexine Douthit Pigg On August 10, 2017 @ 6:45 pm
Mrs. Willa’s voice will be missed here on earth but rest assured she now knows the joy of serving our Heavenly Father and enjoying her blessed reward! Praise The Lord & Thank You Lord for her beautiful Witness of a life well lived!