Johnnie Mae Hill

Sister Johnnie Mae Dickerson Hill was born May 28, 1926 in Clark County to the late Mr. Grady Dickerson and Bertha Wright- Dickerson. Johnnie Mae was the 2nd child born to this union. Upon the death of Bertha Dickerson while Johnnie Mae was just a baby, Grady later married the late Essie Mae Cummings- Dickerson who helped raise Johnnie Mae along with 15 siblings. Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by seven siblings: Gladys Luster, Grady Bell Garland, and Elizabeth Best, Samuel, James (Jay-Bird), Wendell, and Joe Louis Dickerson. Johnnie Mae made her transition to her heavenly home on Monday, December 7th, 2015 at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Johnnie Mae united with Clayborn Chapel A.M.E. at an early age where she was an active and faithful member of the choir and a missionary. Johnnie Mae later joined the membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas until her health did not allow her to attend. During conference time, her Clinton street home was known to be the place for good home cooked soul food and fresh vegetables. She fed many preachers, presiding elders and bishops. Her doors were always open. Johnnie Mae was employed at Clark County Hospital, later renamed Baptist Medical Center-Arkadelphia in housekeeping after 25 years of faithful service before retiring July 1, 1991. Johnnie Mae was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all that knew her. She never met a stranger...kind and acquaintance alike knew and loved her. She opened the doors to her home to several relatives and friends over the years; who either had no place to live or just needed a place to live for a while. She loved canning fruits, vegetables, as well as, cooking.  She loved taking care of people and seeing to their needs. She dearly loved her family and church. Most of all Johnnie Mae loved God! She united in holy matrimony to the late Shellie Hill. They were blessed with four loving children. Although their marriage did not last, their friendship blossomed and it was no secret that they were truly the best of friends. Her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She found so much joy when they were around. She would always nibble and bite on their cheeks, as a reminder of her love and affection. Johnnie Mae is survived by her 4 children: Shellie J. A. Hill, Jr., Ruthie N. Hill-Gibson, Johnny F. Hill, and Alvin Hill, Sr., all of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; five sisters, Eunice Hennings and Ethel Neely of Batesville, Arkansas, Jetherine Hibber of Chicago, Illinois, Maudie Mae Robinson of Conyers, Georgia, and Pearline (Andy) Kennedy of Riverside, California; three brothers, Bobby Dickerson of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Billy Dickerson and Johnny Dickerson of Chicago, Illinois; 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.  Funeral services will be held at St. Paul A. M. E. Church on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Rev. J. L. Newborn will preach the message. Interment will be in Richmond Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Monday, December 14, 2015 from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.