I was born September 15, 1914 in Monticello, Georgia. My parents
were: Sarah Clements Roberts and Jimmie Ned Roberts. I was the
second of six children. My mother taught me the first grade at
home because it was hard for black children to get an education
at that time. We moved to Urbana when I was seven years old and
I attended the Urbana schools. I graduated from Urbana High School.
I graduated from Beauty School in Michigan, where I met and married
my husband, Samuel H. Hill. We came back to Urbana in 1939, where
I continued my education at the University of Illinois and worked
as a beautician in my home. I received an associate's degree from
Parkland College at the age of 52.
In 1957 Mrs. Frances Nelson became too ill to oversee the operation
of The Frances Nelson Home for Children. I became the supervisor
and worked in that capacity until 1963. In 1963 my husband moved
us to Liberia, West Africa, where I stayed for a year. I returned
home to work for the new Headstart Program as a Center Supervisor.
I retired from Headstart after 13 years of lovingly educating
many children who still communicate with me from time to time.
For many years I was a licensed day care provider and foster parent.
Retiring from that profession at the age of 81.
Having been a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
for almost eighty years, I am blessed to have held offices in
the Church and its Church School. I am the proud mother of Diane
Mitchell, Shirley Roberts, and James Hill. I am blessed to have
many foster children who still call me Mother. I have five Grandchildren
and four Great Grandchildren.
Davie
Hill