Hilda Florence Soodoo

Hilda Florence Liverpool Joseph Soodoo passed away peacefully on October 29, 2022.  She always wanted family to be together and God was so merciful to grant her the desires of her heart, for all of her children and grandson lovingly surrounded her as she transitioned to glory to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Hilda, the last of thirteen children, was born in No.28 West Coast, Berbice, Guyana on June 2, 1927 to Joseph Nathaniel Liverpool and Hilda Liverpool.  Hilda’s mother died in childbirth and shortly after her birth, she was adopted and raised by her great-uncle, Conrad Joseph and his family.  Being the youngest of two sets of siblings, she was doted on by many.  Hilda married Charles (Charlie) James Soodoo on August 6, 1949 at a small service at Christ Church in Georgetown, Guyana. Hilda was very dedicated to her family and instilled in her children, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren, the deep importance of faith, forgiveness, love, and togetherness.

Hilda worked as a secretary in Guyana at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), until she and Charlie immigrated to the United States in 1972, seeking greater opportunities for their family.  They initially settled in East Orange, New Jersey as Hilda continued to preach the gospel of togetherness. She and Charlie opened their doors to many family members throughout the years as they too transitioned to life in the United States. Hilda worked at Public Service Electric and Gas Company in New Jersey until her retirement. She and Charlie then relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina to escape the snow and cold.  Some of Hilda’s fondest memories were Thanksgiving holidays in their Fayetteville home, where she enjoyed preparing the family’s favorite dishes.  Her children, grandchildren, and many cousins joyfully made the trip every year to celebrate the holiday together.

Because of health reasons, Hilda and Charlie moved close to a daughter and family in Arkansas later in life. Since Charlie’s passing, Hilda has also lived in Maryland and Michigan with her daughters and their families.  Not surprisingly, her faith was the main pillar in her life. For the past few years, she attended services at St. Paul United Methodist Church and made many friends in the church community. 

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charlie, all her sisters and brothers.  She leaves behind to mourn her passing her children, Claire Rhodes (Kenneth), Carol Kelley (Marcus), George Soodoo (India), Donna Peters (James), and Mark Soodoo (Nancy), many grandchildren, Jelani, Zakiya, Tracey, Phoebe, Serena, Natasha, Yma, Bilal, and Salih, and her 11 great grandchildren whom she simply adored. Additionally, all of her nieces, nephews, many adopted sons and daughters, numerous friends were truly precious to her.

Hilda loved her family and friends unconditionally. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. She will always live in our hearts.

Services will be held graveside on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Crestview Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas.