Mrs. Nellie Olivia Hill, Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Nellie Olivia Smith Hill was born July 20, 1925 to the late Inez M. Smith Johnson and the late William H. Johnson, Sr., (step-father) in Butler, Maryland. She departed this life after a brief illness on Thursday, January 24, 2019. Nellie (or “Snooks” as she was affectionally called) was raised in Butler, Maryland and spent most of her life in Butler and Cockeysville, Maryland. She was educated in the Baltimore County School System, attending a one-room school house for “colored” children located in the basement of Gough United Methodist Church, Cockeysville, MD. Although school only went through the 8th grade, Nellie continuously strove to further her education through reading. As an avid reader, particularly of history, a book was always a perfect gift! Nellie loved to talk to anyone and everyone and was well-versed in many subjects. She also enjoyed long-distance traveling as well as driving around the countryside where she would frequently point out the “homesteads” of the local families. Nellie loved the Lord, and her faith sustained her. She was baptized on August 13, 1939 at Bazil A.M.E. Church and joined Gough United Methodist Church at the age of 18 (1943) where she was a member of the Usher board and the United Methodist Women until her death. She loved her family, church, and community. Nellie was always bringing people together and maintaining the ties to our family’s many branches. Nellie was a historian, not only for her family, but many families in Worthington Valley and surrounding communities. At the approximate age of 13, Nellie was sent to work with Mrs. Irene Cole Fowble (affectionately known as Nanny Fowble) thus beginning her domestic career. Nellie worked throughout Worthington Valley until her late 70’s including over 25 years for Gray & Son. She had a remarkable memory and could recall names, places, and events with uncanny accuracy. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was a great listener, advocate, advisor, confidant and friend. Her heartfelt love and affection will truly be missed by many. Nellie leaves to mourn: two daughters, Winifred Irene Hill Griffin and Hilda Rosita “Bunnie” Hill. Grandchildren: Eva Petra Smith, Howard C. “PJ” Smith, Jr. and Stephan D. Griffin. Godchild, Sharon Johnson. Brother, William H. Johnson, Jr. and devoted sister-in-law Rosita, sister Margaret Jane Ross, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Hill; son, Howard C. “Pete” Smith, Sr. and siblings: Hilda V. Tucker, Robert Eugene Smith, James Kenneth Johnson, Sr. and John C. Johnson. She is also survived by devoted friends Jennie Beard, Pat Bell Waddy and Elaine Bell Smith; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Mrs. Nellie Olivia Hill,

July 20, 1925 - January 24, 2019