Mrs. Hill died Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, after an extended illness.
Mildred grew up in Banks County. She was born on Nov. 26, 1922, one of five children of Hattie Oliver Purcell and Benjamin Harrison Purcell.
Mildred was married to the late William Ralph Hill of Dayton, Ohio. Mildred was a devoted sister and loving aunt to her nieces and nephews. She was a woman of strong faith and character who achieved much in life. Mildred worked as a secretary and office manager for International Furniture in Cornelia for 21 years. She earned her BSED degree from the University of Georgia in 1971, and completed her master’s degree at Georgia State University. She built a successful second career working for the Georgia Department of Education in Atlanta.
Mildred retired from the state in 1988 and became a caregiver for young children and a Red Cross volunteer in the Atlanta area. Mildred returned home to Habersham County in 1994, and enjoyed spending time with her friends, neighbors and family. She was an active member of Clarkesville United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and led the Bertha Garrison women’s group. She also served as a local hospice volunteer. In 2008, Mildred moved to North Carolina to be with her daughter.
Mildred Hill’s life was filled with hard work, single parenthood, travel, education and a desire to continuously learn. She was a beloved daughter, mother, sister and aunt. She was an excellent role model to Bridget and her family and a true friend to all who knew and worked with her.
Mildred was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Bill L. Wrede; brother, James Evard Purcell; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Winifred Sosebee Wheeler; sister and brother-in-law, Ollie Ree Purcell Alley and Owen Alley; and a granddaughter, Penny Wrede Thomas.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Bridget Hill Wrede of Hendersonville, N.C.; brothers, Vernon T. Purcell and his wife, Catherine Taylor Purcell, of Atlanta, and Benjamin H. Purcell and his wife, Anne Grant Purcell, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Rodger, Mark, David, Allen and James Wrede; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Donations in Mildred’s memory may be made to Elizabeth House, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia was in charge of arrangements.
The Northeast Georgian
September 12, 2012
