Lois M Hill

Hill ~ The women of Sherwood Forest knew where to send their children so they would be safe. That place was our home at 5229 Roanoke Boulevard. That house was that place because of the woman who lived there, Lois Mariah Hill.

But Lois’s story did not begin in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on September 16, 1934 to Oscar and Alma Chatman in Greeleyville, South Carolina, Lois grew up helping her family work in the cotton and tobacco fields while attending school.  An early joy for her was being as close to her father as she could while they worked together to harvest the crop.

As Lois reached her teenage years, she began to feel restless. She wanted to see what life was like outside of Greeleyville, so she left home and settled in Jacksonville. Shortly thereafter Lois began to raise a family. The first born was Janice, the family’s trailblazer; then Larry, the handsome and charismatic one; and next Donald, her “precious lamb.” Mom’s “BFF,” Hope, came next, followed by the quiet and introspective Tammy. But Lois’s family was not complete until “Baby Girl” Janette; big-hearted Maurice; and mom’s baby boy, Joel, were born.  With so many children, the home on Roanoke was a magnet for the neighborhood’s children. And she never turned them away.

 Yet while raising her family and nurturing her community Lois realized something essential was missing. In February 1980 she had an experience with Christ so powerful that it changed her and her children’s lives forever. From that moment forward she became new. Just like she had always served her family and community, she now served her church—in the nursery, as an ordained mother, and through inner city outreach feeding the hungry.

No child wants to lose a parent. And her children, family, and friends all miss Lois dearly. As her children recall memories of spending time with her in Greeleyville and on Roanoke Boulevard, we take comfort in the knowledge that in its purest form, home is wherever you are safe. And now our mother is safe in her heavenly home. We love you, Mama.

Loved ones who will forever cherish her memory are four daughters, Janice Bing (Leon), Stephania Hope Thomas (Wilbert), Tammy Cherry (Lewis), Janette Reese (Chris); four sons, Larry Kitchen, Donald Kitchen (Kim), Maurice Hill (LaSonya), Joel Hill (LaSha); one brother, Oscar Chatman Jr; one sister, Evelyn Richardson (Henry); and one brother-in-law, James Kenely. Grandkids, Victor Jr, Janae, Jessica, Noah, Zion, Sage, Corey, Dominique, Mikayla, Joshua, Damon, Justin, Hannah, Came’ron, Christian, Meghan, Joel Jr, Joelle, Myah; a host of great and great-great grand-children, nephews, nieces and extended family members.  

Graveside Service for Mrs. Lois Mariah Chatman-Hill will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 4, 2021, St. James Baptist Church Cemetery, 1288 Coleman Road, Greeleyville, South Carolina.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32208, (904) 924-9400 & Samuels Funeral Home, LLC, 114 North Church Street, Manning, South Carolina 29102, (803) 435-2297

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