Mary Hill

Obituary For Mary Hill

Mother Mary Hill was born Mary Zenobia Blake on May 21, 1917, in the town of Chincoteague in Accomack County, Virginia. Her parents William Blake and Mary (Logan) Blake were former slaves. At the time of her birth, the President of the United States was Woodrow Wilson. The previous month he had declared war on Germany as the U.S. entered "The Great War," or World War I.

Her siblings, William, George, Morris, Bertha, Rebecca, Martha, and James, affectionately called her "Ta-Ta". Her many nieces and nephews called her "Aunt Sis". She witnessed the end of World War I, The Great Depression and the rise of the Nazi Germany before marrying Charles Brickhouse in 1935. From this union a little boy (Pretice Olives Brickhouse) was born but unfortunately died shortly after his birth. After the marriage ended, she moved to New York City. She was working for Macy's when a message came to the floor, "Pearl Harbor" had been bombed and everyone had to go home. World War II had spread to America. She saw her little brother off to War in Europe and again during the Korean War. Some time after that she met and married Oscar Hill, a Navy Veteran, who she was with until his death in the late 1970’s. It was around this time she devoted her life to Christ. She rededicated herself to the service of the mission of Paradise Baptist Church. She served there for 65 years as a good and faithful Christian. As a most active member, she sung on the Senior Choir, served in the Hospitality Ministry, worked as the Pastor’s Assistant, Pastor’s Aid Ministry and above all was a Mother of the Church.

Part of her life’s mission was dedicated to "the least of these”, working as a Teaching Assistant for New York City Public Schools with children who had special needs. She worked until her retirement, saying; “I traveled to every state in the Union and other places in the world that I wanted to.” She lived a full retirement life as the matron of the family helping launch the careers of her nephews.

She leaves behind many who were blessed by her presence. Nieces and nephews: Dr. James V. Blake, (the late) Mrs. Sandra Blake, Dr. Victor J. Blake, and Dr. Sherry L. Blake. Great nieces and nephews: Rodney Tucker, Mrs. Sharon Tucker, Diedre Blake-Sayers, Erik Blake, Khalil Blake, Jason Blake, Cedric Blake, Allen Ramey, Lailini Ramey. Great-great nieces and nephews: Raheem, Jennifer, Steven, Marquita, Craig, Rodnae, Royce, Cheyenne, Maana, Makena, Kayna, Jelani, Adara, Noah, Vinnie, Sy'Yare, and Isabella. Great-Great-Great grandchildren: Daijon, Khris, Ava, Emillio, Arik, King, Ky’mani, Elijah, and Leo. God children in Christ: Lisa Williams, Vivica Carranchorage, Sandra Williams, and (the late) Reginald Williams.

She lived a quiet life the past 23 years with her dear caregiver, Maria Guzman, who knew her better than all of us. We honor her dear primary care physician, Dr. Alex Federman, who went above and beyond to advocate on her behalf up until her last days here with us. A very special thanks to Rev. Lee Arrington for the many years of spiritual guidance he has given to Aunt Sis and our family at this difficult time. If we have omitted anyone, please forgive us.

As Aunt Sis would say "Ain't but ONE GOD". "Don't you worry about me, cause I'm gonna be Flying Around with the Lord.” On August 29th 2024, she got her Wings!