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Normally in December, I write the Year-In-Review, then take a sabbatical for the remainder of the month. However, with 2020 being such a tough year for many of us, I want to run this “feel-good” story before my usual Year-In-Review. A “feel-good” story is one that brings a smile to one’s face and makes them feel happy. The story of the Rev. and Mrs. Hill is one of those stories. Their “feel-good” love story has all of the ingredients of what a happy marriage looks like.
Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary
Rev. John Hill and Mrs. Frances Hill
December 30, 2020
Not 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, but 60 years of blissful marriage! When asked what is the secret to 60 years of marriage? John and Frances replied, “you should never stop believing or communicating with each other. We didn’t have to wait for birthdays, Valentine’s day, Christmas, or holidays to say I love you or shower each other with gifts and love every day. We show simple acts of love for no particular reason. Let the Lord be the head of your marriage, always have a forgiving spirit, and never let problems overcome you and be determined to find solutions.”
The two met in Union High School in the small town of Bonita, Louisiana. She was quiet, shy, had big legs, drawn to academics. He was outgoing, full of energy, stubborn, determined, humorous and filled with big dreams that extended beyond farming and picking cotton. These polar opposite personalities were the very magnetic force that united them in holy matrimony on December 30, 1960. They understood that these unique qualities complemented each other and made them whole. Through this refining process, they grew and developed into the image God had for their marriage. Their marriage, based on respect and genuine friendship, provided the unwavering support for whimsical ideas, setbacks and mistakes. John recalls when his wife was overwhelmed with doubts and ambivalence about attending college, he had to be firm and told her, “‘yes you will go!’ even if he had to work three jobs to make it happen.” Frances graduated from Grambling University and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree from National Louis University. Although John, himself, didn’t have much appetite for the traditional classroom setting, his natural ability for the trade industry was and still is a cut above the rest. You see, John realized his skills and gifts were served in the entrepreneurial realm. He ran a successful home improvement business, Hill’s Exterior and Interior, LLC, for 40 years allowing him to hire and train many youths over the years. John studied and trained for over 30 years as a current associate minister at New Covenant Baptist Church, where both of them continue to have scripture guide their marriage: A scripture that guides their marriage is I Corinthians 13:4-8: love is patient; love is kind; it does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud; it is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs; love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth; it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Their union includes Shelia, John Jr. (d.1986) and DeAngela. Ron Roberts (Shelia’s husband) and two grandchildren Brandee and Caleb. Sixty years of marriage has given them the stepping stones to continue to grow into the future! Look out now! Congratulations Rev. John and Frances Hill on your 60th Wedding Anniversary!!
Next week: Year-In-Review
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. In some instances, this article contains the opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations of the writer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
