Hila M. deSaussure

Hila Moore deSaussure passed away peacefully with her children at her bedside on March 5, 2013 at the age of 74, after a lengthy battle with complications due to her childhood disease of diabetes. Hila was born on March 14, 1938 in Jacksonville, FL to the late Hal W. and Nora H. Moore. She graduated from Bartram High School, Salem College and Bowman Gray Medical School of Technology. She was a member of the Jacksonville Debutante Coterie in 1956 and a maid in Ye Mystic Revelers. She was married to the late Henry William deSaussure Jr. She pursued a career as a Medical Technologist at Riverside Hospital. She was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. During her life spent here in Jacksonville, Hila enjoyed sailing with her husband, spending time with friends at the Florida Yacht Club and playing tennis with her girlfriends. As an avid Gator fan, she never missed watching UF play, even in this last season of her life. Hila’s last years were spent at the Riverside Presbyterian House where she enjoyed socializing with her many friends and playing bingo.

She is survived by her loving family; her three daughters, Elizabeth deSaussure Akiky (Sam), Arden Cantey deSaussure (Michelle) both of Jacksonville and Hila deSaussure Orr (Alex) of Mt Pleasant, SC; her grandchildren, Henry William deSaussure III, Evette Elizabeth Akiky, Khalil Saleem Akiky, Hannah Kathryn Orr, Grace Elizabeth deSaussure Orr and Janae Marshaile Weaver; her sister, Arden M. Hudson; her niece Ann Elarbee Coppedge; her nephew Hal S. Elarbee; her aunt Vivienne Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 8 from 5 – 7 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 729 S. Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville. Following a private burial, a celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 9 at 2 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 4129 Oxford Ave, Jacksonville.

Messages of condolence may be made at www.hardage-giddensedgewood.com