Mettie Lou Hill (aka Mom, Meemaw), born August 12, 1933, passed away on August 1, 2021, after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Hill (aka Dad, Peepaw), her stepfather and mother, Jake and Georgia Royster, her brother-in-law and sister, Dutch and Bettie Joe Sechrist, and grandson, Brian Johnson. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Billie Hill Lewis and Don; Libbie Hill Russell and Jerry; Debra Hill Bird and Kenny; William Arthur Hill, Jr. and Jan. In addition, she has eight surviving grandchildren: Donna (Brian) Key; Chris (Tori) Lewis; Shanon (Patrick) Sutton; Amber Russell; Brad (Danielle) Bird; April Bird; Trey (Madison) Hill; Rachel (Matt) Williams. Believe it or not, she has fifteen great-grandchildren: Zeph, Zack and Owen Key; Presley Lewis and Charlie Deem; Brandon (Meghan) Yates; Paige (Seth) Thornburgh; Mason Story, Anna and Chloe Miller; Gavin and Elise Bird; Bryson Hill; Lyla and Emily Williams. Additionally, she has a great-great grandchild, Kinley Thornburgh and another sweet great-great grandchild coming soon, Brynlee Yates. What a legacy to leave behind!
Meemaw began running concession stands in the early 70’s. She ran the Morningview concession stand, Chisholm concession stand, Capitol Heights concession stand, Cramton Bowl concession stand, and Garrett Coliseum concession stand. She made popcorn at the Alabama State Fair for many, many years. Regardless of what was going on - rodeos, concerts, football games, baseball games, tractor pulls - she could be found selling concessions. Much to our dismay, the children and grandchildren were drafted into working with her. (No, really…we loved it… 😊)
Mom was quite a cook! Her fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, fried cornbread, macaroni and cheese, chocolate cake, fudge…and popcorn…were the best!
With six mouths to feed, there wasn’t a lot left, but when there was, Dad’s dogs got the benefit. Since he worked out of town Monday through Friday, it was up to her to make the four children behave and to take care of the dogs. It was easier taking care of the dogs…and she didn’t like dogs!
Mom was a lifelong Crimson Tide fan! The foyer of her house was a shrine to The University of Alabama. During the games, Debra would call her every time the Tide scored. She started making rhymes for each touchdown. “That was fun! We got one!” “Whoopty doo, we got two!” “Climb a tree, we got three!” She became an instant hit on Facebook! People began to ask each week, “What’s your mom saying?”
In May, 2020, Mom moved into John Knox at Arrowhead. We were so concerned that she would hate it, but she absolutely loved it! The staff brought out a side of her we hadn’t seen in a long time! She played bingo, bowled, played kickball, participated in auctions, and ate the best food! She loved Miss Barbara’s cooking! We are so thankful for them! The last year of Mom’s life was the best she had since Dad passed away in 1998. A true blessing for her family members!
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 9:00 at Leak Memory Chapel, followed by a service at 10:00 and graveside at Greenwood Cemetery. Please make any memorial contributions to: John Knox at Arrowhead, 9081 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Hill family.
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