Delene Hill

Delene Hill, known to some as Dee and many others as Mama Hill or Grammy Hill, lived a full life. Born in Greenville, Georgia to Jessie Jameson and Janie Jewell Reaves in 1940, she later moved to the Central Florida area. She graduated from Lakeview High School and went on to work as a receptionist at Channel 9. It was there where she met the love of her life, Dave. They had three children together - Dawn, John, and Dana. Mom was a devoted wife and doting mother who loved her Lord Jesus.

Growing up in our family, we have fond memories of family holidays. Hosted by her sister, Agnes Rogers and the official patriarch and historian Murray Rogers, these were lively celebrations. There was always an abundance of delicious food and never a shortage of stories!

Mom had many adventures as a volunteer, from being a Pink Lady at Florida Hospital to working the press tent at golf tournaments including Rio Pinar, Disney, Bay Hill. She also volunteered with the Miss Florida pageant (something her teenage son particularly enjoyed). Her kids even got a chance to feign injuries for the mock disasters in her EMT training.

Mom enjoyed some fun jobs, including working at the preview center for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. She was a huge sports fan who loved the Jets (Joe Namath) and Noles (she originally loved the Gators, but was swayed by a dear church friend – Nancy Jones). Mom was an original season ticket holder with the Orlando Magic, and went on to work as an usher for Magic and Solar Bear games when she worked at the Amway Center.

She enjoyed serving her family and her church and made sure that we were faithful in our attendance. It was at church where her children heard the Gospel and came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mama Hill opened her home to the youth of her home church (First Baptist Church of Orlando). It was a place of laughter and joy! Many youths cherish fond memories of dance parties and sleepovers in the 80s.

Once her children entered their adult years, she continued to pour herself into the lives of the church youth. Mom worked with the youth group and then returned to her roots as a receptionist at First Baptist. She loved to celebrate life by baking! Her cakes, which were always made with thoughtfulness and love, reflected this love of life. They were always moist, sweet, and tasty.

Grammy Hill loved all of her grandkids! She was a great listener as they would share their dreams and ideas with her. They are thankful for the fun memories with her, both at Disney and in the kitchen. She was an amazing grandmother who cherished all of our kids.

Mom left a legacy of faith and hospitality which we hope to carry on in her memory. She was preceded in death by Dave and is survived by her three adult children and 16 grandchildren. Dawn and David Bailey (Charissa, Claire-Elise, Catherine and Ethan) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; John and Rachel Hill (Joshua, Gabrielle, and Annalise) of Orlando; Dana and Christopher Brenyo (Savannah and Tim Garnett, Jacob, Caleb, Abigail, Jameson, Elijah, Susannah, Elisabeth, and Jonathan) of Eustis.

Her family will host a viewing on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 335 East State Road 434, Longwood, Florida 32750. Her memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 4917 Eli Street, Orlando, Florida 32804, on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Food will be served at the church after the service, with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando.