Mildrede Francis "Tobe" Harris Hilton passed peacefully in Austin, Texas on February 13, 2019 at the age of 92. She lived a long, interesting, and meaningful life, witnessing uncountable historic and cultural milestones. Her journey began on April 6, 1926 in the southwestern Virginia town of Abingdon. She was one of six children of Charles Omer Harris and Elizabeth Mae Spurrier. She is survived by her sister Luella, son Garland (the third), daughter-in-law Mary, granddaughter Megan, and too many nieces and nephews to list.
As a young woman, Tobe was determined to never be known as "Millie" so she chose the name of a favorite artist as her nickname. This determination (some might say "stubbornness") would be a defining character trait until her last day. She was an outspoken proponent of traditional values. She was proud of her family, community, state, and nation.
After the end of the Second World War, Tobe met a dashing young veteran, G. Bruce Hilton, Jr, of nearby Wytheville, Virginia. They wed on December 13, 1947 and would remain together until his passing in November 2013. Bruce returned to the military not long after their wedding. With Tobe's support and encouragement, he entered Officer's Candidate School and began a career encompassing many assignments around the world. The 1940s and 50s were a time when being a military officer was a job for both spouses. Tobe excelled at the diplomatic aspects of their European assignments, rubbing shoulders with high-ranking officials of many countries. Four years in Italy left her with a deep appreciation of their culture. She learned to converse in Italian and would continue to do so throughout her life. She enjoyed their cuisine and became quite adept at preparing Italian food. Her lasagna was excellent, as was her spaghetti carbonara. Her penchant for perfectionism was deliciously reflected in her cooking and beautifully evidenced by her gardening.
Tobe and Bruce would continue to pass on what they had experienced in the course of their journey by visiting the schools Megan attended (and those at which her mother taught) during holidays and special events such as Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, Grandparents' Day, and occasionally on random days ending in "Y."
Among her most obvious perfectionist tendencies was English proficiency. She taught her son to read at an early age and took a great deal of pride in raising a literate child. She encouraged him to be sociable and was always willing to entertain his friends. She generously opened her home to his classmates when they needed a place to build their class float for the Homecoming parade and graciously provided them copious quantities of tasty food and cool drinks.
With so many accomplishments in which she could take pride, her proudest, and the one in which she found the most joy, was being grandmother ("Nonna" in Italian, as she preferred) to Megan, who spent countless days and weekends at her grandparents' home. Nonna would often pick up Megan from school and teach her how to paint, solve puzzles, garden, and bake cookies. They would enjoy frequent sleep-overs and prepare sumptuous brunches in the morning, when Megan would make fresh orange juice just as her beloved Nonna had taught her. Whether Megan was learning to swim, golf, or play tennis, Nonna was her Number One cheerleader. When Megan attended her first high school dance, Nonna helped her select a dress and loaned her some favorite jewelry.
Throughout her life, Tobe was devoted to her family. She will be greatly missed by those who survive her.
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