Helen C. Hill

Helen Ware (Collins) Hill, age 88, passed on Friday, January 7, 2011, in Chicago, Ill. Helen was the first child born on November 2, 1922 to Ernest G. Collins and Rebecca Ware Collins. Years later her brother Ware Collins and sister Ernestine Collins Smith were born. As the oldest child, Helen assumed the role of big sister and embraced that role throughout her entire life. Helen joined the church at an early age and was baptized at Roanoke Baptist Church, Hot Springs, AK. A graduate of Langston High School, Helen then attended Talladega College in Alabama. She returned to Hot Springs to teach at Langston High School and serve as Executive Assistant to the Principal. She then attended University of Chicago where she met Dr. Alvin C. Rose and married him in Hot Springs in 1948. To this union was born Dr. Ernest C. Rose. At Tennessee State University she worked in Public Relations and then was promoted to Executive Assistant to the President. Helen then earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Tennessee State Univ. In 1970 she married Dr. Carl M. Hill, President of Kentucky State Univ. Helen then completed her PhD from Southern Illinois University and served on the faculty. Following retirement the couple moved to Hampton, VA where Carl became President at Hampton University and Helen joined the administration at Old Dominion University and then Norfolk State University where she retired.

Helen laid the foundation for passionate commitment to community services throughout her life. She became actively engaged in the political and social arenas wherever she lived. She was gifted with the rare combination of being a woman of keen intellect, great beauty, wise vision and also the energy to pursue positive change.

Helen held offices in many organizations including:

• Virginia Peninsula Rose Society (Drs. Carl and Helen Hill were both active members. She served as President 1995-1996). Awarded the American Rose Society Bronze Medal for Outstanding Service in December 1999. She was an active member of the Peninsula Council of Garden Clubs and served as Co-President between the years of 2005-2007.

• Women's Club of Newport News. Helen provided inspirational devotions and served on the Scholarship Committee.

• Link’s Inc. - Hampton Chapter. Helen served on the National Education Committee.

• Girl Friends, Inc. - New Port, VA Chapter. Helen served as past National Vice President.

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - Lifetime Membership.

• Society, Inc. - Tide Water Chapter.

• Girl Scouts of USA- served on National Council.

• Elder- First Presbyterian Church - Hampton, VA.

• The National Capital Presbytery.

• United Nations.

Helen is survived by her son, Dr. Ernest Collins Rose; brother, Ware Collins; sister, Ernestine Collins Smith, PhD; nephew, Ronald Collins; niece, Sheila Smith; grand nephew, Ronald Collins II; grand nephew, Aaron Collins; cousins, Dr. Lolita Mc David-Trotter (Lee), William Mc David, Helen Ruth Collins (Leroy) ,and Richard Holland ( Delphine); friend, Gina Dozier King; and god-daughter, Joann Collins.

The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 14, from 6 to 8 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Helen's life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15, at Hampton University Chapel at 11 AM, with Revs. Debra Haggins O'Bryant and Cindy Higgins officiating. Interment will follow in Hampton University Cemetery.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.