Hill, Sallie L. (McGehee)
Death of Mrs. Sallie L. Hill
It is indeed with a sad heart that the Mercury records the death of Mrs. Sallie L. Hill, the beloved wife of Captain T. A. Hill, which occurred at the family residence last Thursday afternoon, after an illness of several weeks, following a paralytic stroke. Mrs. Hill was first stricken with paralysis of the sight of one of her eyes, and this was quickly followed by paralysis of one side of her body. Following the second stroke, the family physician notified the family, relatives and friends that he could hold out no hope for recovery and that it was but a question of a short time until this most estimable lady would go to join her loved ones on the other shore. However, at times she seemed better,and even these slight changes cheered the anxious ones around her bedside with hope that possibly, after all, she might survive. Soon however, it was seen that these hopes were forlorn, and that the loved one was fast slipping away from the cares of this world. On Thursday afternoon, shortly after the noon hour, she breathed her last, surrounded by the family circle of which she had so long been a member and by whom she was beloved as but few wives and mothers are. Kind and loving hands tenderly prepared the body for interment, and on Friday afternoon the remains were laid to rest by the side of her loved ones [Weimar Masonic Cemetery] who had preceded her in that last, long sleep which must in the end come to us all. The procession was one of the longest ever witnessed in this part of the state, and was a beautiful testimonial of the great love and respect our people had for Mrs. Hill. The funeral services were of the most touching character, and were conducted by Rev. Roy G. Rader, her late pastor, and Rev. Isaac Sellers, a life long friend of the family, assisted by the Methodist and Baptist choirs in a beautiful song service. At the conclusion of these services, the grave was filled and the floral tributes placed thereon. So numerous, however, were these testimonials of love and affection that the grave was completely hidden from sight and still there remained enough beautiful flowers to cover the other graves on the family lot. A touching testimonial indeed of the affection which people everywhere had for this most estimable, good woman.
Mrs. Sallie L. Hill was the wife of T. A. Hill, and both were natives of Texas. Mrs. Hill was born July 30, 1844, at Rutersville, Fayette county, Texas. She was married to Mr. Hill Nov. 28, 1865, and was the mother of eight children, four boys and four girls. Two of these children, "Cap" and George, preceded her in death a number of years ago. Six children survive--T. Y. Hill of Halletsville, T. W. Hill of Weimar, Mrs. Pearl Kindred of Eagle Pass, Mrs. George McCormick of Houston, Mrs. Eddie Ratliff and Miss Itaska Hill. Mrs. Hill, with her husband, moved to Weimar Oct., 1873, and was the oldest female resident of this place, living here for the past forty-three years. She joined the Methodist church at the age of 14 years, and lived a consistent, christian life up to the time of her death, always taking a keen interest in the affairs and work of the church.

Few ladies have ever lived in this community who possessed such a strong hold upon the affections of our people as did Mrs. Hill. But this is not to be wondered at. Her life given over to doing good, she was always first at the bedside of the sick and afflicted, and no call for charity ever passed her unheeded. Full well does the writer of these lines remember the times when sickness and disease entered his own home and his heart was torn with agony as his loved ones lay there desperately ill. It was Mrs. Hill, that grand character, who was first to come and tender her help, and with consoling, comforting words lightened the hearts of the inmates of that home. And it was this way in every instance which came to her notice. She waited not for an invitation to come and minister to the sick; gladly she went and did all within her power. She was a most lovable friend and neighbor. Free from the petty frailties of the weaker sex, she was a welcome visitor in every home, for her coming always brought sunshine and comfort to those around her. As a wife and mother she was without reproach. Her husband and children loved her as but few wives and mothers are loved, and not without cause, for her life was surrendered to their care and comfort and she did it gladly. This earth has been blessed with but few such characters as Mrs. Hill, and in her passing away we feel that a heavy blow has indeed been placed upon us.

God pity and comfort her bereaved husband, children, relatives and friends, is he sincere, heartfelt wish of the writer.

Weimar Mercury, October 20, 1916, page 1