Virginia Ann Hill

Virginia Ann (Byrd) Hill, affectionately known as Ann to her loved ones, was born on February 28, 1945, to the late Frank Haywood Byrd and Virginia Beatrice (McLean) Byrd. She was the sixth of ten children and the first daughter, lovingly regarded as the twinkle in her father’s eye. She peacefully departed this life on Friday March 27, 2026 following a brief illness.

Ann was educated in the Fayetteville, North Carolina public school system and graduated from E.E. Smith High School. She initially pursued studies in English at Fayetteville State University but soon followed her passion for caring for others. She enrolled in and graduated from the W.W. Hogan School of Nursing in Raleigh, North Carolina, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 1966. A lifelong learner who deeply valued education, Ann later earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Bronx Community College, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Community Health and Nursing from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

In October 1967, Ann met the love of her life, Ernest Hill, while he was stationed in the United States Army in her hometown. Their connection was immediate, and they were married on July 6, 1968. The couple settled in Mount Vernon, New York, where they built a loving home, raised their two children, Corey and Latashia, and formed lasting friendships that became extended family. Over 57 years of marriage, they created a life rich in love, devotion, and cherished memories.

Ann had a nursing career that spanned over 4 decades, working in multiple settings, including hospitals. nursing homes, in public health and in leadership positions. She was always known as a reliable and resourceful professional who gave her all to her patients, their loved ones and her colleagues. She believed in treating everyone she met with respect and deep compassion.

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose life’s purpose centered on caring for and supporting her family. She found joy in spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, each whom she’d given a nickname, watching tennis and cheering loudly for her favorite players, Serena and Coco, shopping, sightseeing, window-watching, taking car rides, singing, collecting elephants and turtles that represented her sororities, and attending, and hosting gatherings for family and friends. She was often referred to as “fancy” because of her love of dressing in beautiful clothes, wearing pretty shoes, putting on makeup and getting scheduled manicures- she did NOT do pajama days! She was known for her infectious laughter, often laughing heartily at jokes—especially her own. One of her treasured routines was speaking with her brothers each evening at 8:00 p.m. sharp.

A passionate traveler, Ann explored the world alongside her husband, visiting Africa, Europe, numerous Caribbean islands, and more than half of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Most recently, she enjoyed a seven-day cruise to Bermuda from New York with close friends, adding yet another chapter of joyful memories to her life. Ann and Ernest relocated to Delaware from NY in 2006 and she officially retired from the Westchester County Department of Public Health in 2007. They eventually found a church home at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Newark, Delaware, where she was a faithful member, sang in the choir and most recently served on the Floral Ministry, sending cards and encouragement to members who were ill. She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, remaining active until her retirement. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Rockland County chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority.

Ann lived a life rooted in service, generosity, and compassion. She consistently gave of herself without expectation of anything in return. Her family fondly recalls countless acts of kindness, including a time when she gave away all her family’s furniture to assist a local family who had lost everything in a fire, as well as opening her home to strangers during the holidays so no one would be alone. This was simply who she was—a woman with an open heart, a giving spirit, and a welcoming smile.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, John Henry McLean, Lynwood McLean, Lawrence Byrd and Arthur Byrd, and 2 sisters, Flossie Tolbert and Joanna Byrd, her parents-in law Willie Oree and Harriet Sarah Hill, 2 brothers-in law, Oree and Percell, and 2 sisters-in law, Hazelene and Bertha Lee. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Ernest Hill; her son, Corey Hill (Tonya) of Middletown, Delaware; her daughter, Latashia Berry(Stephen) of Chesapeake, Virginia; six grandchildren: Corey Hill II, Chayce Hill, Layla Berry, Caycie Hill, Sydnee Berry, and Caylie Hill; three brothers, Fred Byrd (Maxine), Frank Byrd (Edna), and Donald Byrd; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Walker (her partner!), Juanita Savoy, Ann Nance and Rosie Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.