Frances Major Hill

On May 29, 1936, Frances Lorene Major was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia to the late Willie S. Major and Frances C. Major. Frances was later known as "Lorraine" (a mispronounced and misspelled version of Lorene) to many extended family and friends. Lorene attended Isle of Wight Training School and was a star player on the basketball team. After graduating in the class of 1954, she attended Hampton Institute and became certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse in April 1956. On November 3, 1956 she married the late Rev. Primbroke D. Hill of Smithfield, VA and they were blessed with three children. As a Head Start nurse and later a supervisor, Frances worked for Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (S.T.O.P.) for 46 years until her retirement in 2012. Her heart and passion was to meet the needs and improve the medical and educational status of children, especially the underserved and those from low economic backgrounds. She was also an excellent seamstress and made most of her apparel as well as the clothing of others. Her work was of such high quality that she often could not fill all of the requests to make clothes for other people. Her civic mindedness motivated her to devote her time each year on Election Day to be a poll worker for local, state, and national elections. Sister Hill worked tirelessly and faithfully in several capacities as a member of Mt. Tabor Church of God in Christ. Most recently, she served as an Evangelist Missionary, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Director, and coordinated the local HOPE ministry, which serves the homeless in the community. Additionally, for several years she was a pastor's wife and supported her husband in ministry at two other churches. Left to cherish her memory are: two sons, Larry Hill (Chrystal) of Manassas, VA and Kelvin Hill (Ramona) of Denham Springs, LA; one daughter, Alesia Thomas (Monty) of Cordova, TN; one brother, Pernell Major (Alice Faye) of Smithfield; five grandchildren, Dwan Hill (Laura) of Nashville, TN, Marcus Hill (L.A.) of Nashville, TN, Ira Hill (Nicola) of Newberry, FL, Iris Hill of Houston, TX, and Marcell Thomas of Cordova, TN; two great grandchildren, Tobin (Dwan and Laura's son) and Benjamin (Ira and Nicola's son). She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va by Pastor Clarence Sellers jr. Viewing will be from 4-7pm with a wake service from 6-7pm on Friday, June 30, 2017 at the chapel. Interment will be in the Emmanuel Baptist Church cemetery. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date July 1, 2017

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va by Pastor Clarence Sellers jr. Viewing will be from 4-7pm with a wake service from 6-7pm on Friday, June 30, 2017 at the chapel. Interment will be in the Emmanuel Baptist Church cemetery. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.