Barbara Anne Hill

BARBARA ANNE LIVELY HILL, 88, of Little Rock, AR, went to be with the Lord Monday, April 13, 2026. She was born on November 19, 1937, in Lilbourn, MO, to Lillie and Homer Lively. Barbara grew up during the Great Depression, part of a hard-working farm family alongside her parents, four brothers, and one sister. Life brought many challenges—her mother passed when Barbara was just three, and after her father's tragic logging accident, she found a loving home with her sister Floy, brother-in-law Louis Edging, and their daughter Connie, who became like a little sister to her.

Barbara’s marriage to Arnold Thomas Hill was the beginning of a lifelong adventure rooted in love, faith, family, and security. Their 62 years together were filled with joy and devotion, and with the arrival of their two sons, they formed a close-knit Christian family. Barbara was known for her zest for life, her love for children, her generous support of good causes and ministries, and her enjoyment of reading, gardening, raising beautiful flowers, and spending time with friends and family. She especially cherished her many years teaching a five-year-old Sunday School class.

She was a dedicated member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock, where she participated in the Senior Women’s Adult Sunday School Class and supported Vacation Bible School with enthusiasm. After 60 years in Little Rock, Barbara and Arnold moved to Houston, AR, where they attended Perryville First Baptist Church and enjoyed their first co-ed Sunday School class. Barbara became a member of the church following Arnold’s passing and greatly valued her time with her new church family. Later, she returned to Little Rock to be near her sons and joined Chenal Valley Baptist Church, where she continued to grow in faith and build new friendships.

Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years; her parents; brothers John, Ed, Leo, and Theo Lively; sister Floy Lively Edging; and brother-in-law Louis Edging. She is survived by sons Arnold (Andy) Thomas Hill Jr. (Donna) and Louis Edward (Ed) Hill (Beth); niece Connie Edging Taylor (Richard); half-sister Carolyn Spivey; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, a caring church community, and many lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Perryville First Baptist Church, with a service to follow at noon. Graveside service will immediately follow at May Cemetery in Houston, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the May Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 221, Houston, AR 72070.