Wilbertine E. Hill

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. -John 14:1-2 KJV

Mrs. Wilbertine Elizabeth (Wingfield) Hill, affectionately known to family and friends as “Tine”, was born to the union of the late Reverend Wilfred Monroe Wingfield Sr. and Josie Pogue Hayes Wingfield, on June 28, 1920, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Wilbertine departed this life on September 27, 2018, at Parks Central Rehabilitation and Care Center in Fremont, California.

Wilbertine married Obery Hill (deceased), on November 23, 1946. their union was blessed with four children; Charles, Hazel, Aubrey, and Carol. They were married for 56 years.

Wilbertine graduated from Peake High School and attended 2 years at AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She worked as a nanny and cook for many years. She also worked as a hair stylist for Wiley and Mitchell Funeral Home when requested. Wilbertine accepted Christ at an early age and was a member and strong supporter of St. Paul A.M.E. Church until her health failed her. After moving to California to live with her daughters, Wilbertine joined University A.M.E. Zion Church in Palo Alto, California.

Wilbertine loved her hometown. She constantly reminisced about her childhood in Arkadelphia. She enjoyed the afternoon gatherings at her home with friends and family and was known for her wonderful cooking and hospitality. She loved to cook and create new recipes for her family and friends. She enjoyed socializing with friends. While in California, her spirit was always uplifted when she talked with friends and family from home. She was really overjoyed when she found out that she was recognized as the oldest living graduate of Peake High School at the 2018 Class Reunion.

Wilbertine lost her eyesight after retirement. She found it difficult at first to live in a world of darkness but with faith in God and time, she was able to adjust. She learned to move about her home without assistance and to do many things on her own. She enjoyed listening to mystery and love stories on audiobooks and music. Although she loved all types of music, she favored gospels.

Wilbertine was a great mother and grandmother. She made a point to support her children each time a child was born. She traveled to California for the birth of each of her daughter’s children. She always encouraged the family to keep in contact. She believed in family and instilled that trait in all of her children. Every day she would ask her daughters if they had talked with each other that day. Most of all, she strongly professed her love for God and took great effort to ensure her children were introduced to God.

Wilbertine leaves to cherish her memories, three children: Hazel Basey (Wendell) of Union City, California; Aubrey Hill (Loretta) of Malvern, Arkansas; and Carol Strickland (Richard) of San Lorenzo, California; a daughter-in-law: Virginia Johnson of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; one nephew; Wilfred Monroe Wingfield III of Chicago, Illinois, and a host of relatives and friends.

Wilbertine was preceded in death by her husband, Obery Hill; her son, Charles Edward Johnson; 2 grandsons, Charles Johnson Jr. and Chad Johnson; her brothers, Wilfred Monroe Wingfield II, and Levi Alexander Wingfield.

Funeral services are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, AR. Visitation will begin on Friday, October 12, 2018, at Mitchell Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. The family will receive friends at St. Paul A.M.E. Church from 6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be at St. Paul A.M.E. Church on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Tom W. Scott is Pastor and eulogist. Interment will be at Helms Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and share in the memories of Mrs. Wilbertine Hill's life at St. Paul A.M.E. Church from 6:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.

Interment is at Helms Cemetery.

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