Estelle Hill

Cecelia Estelle Pickel Hill joined the church triumphant on Thursday, August 25, 2022, with family and caregivers at her side, singing her to heaven.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, September 1 at 2 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church, Hampton Rd. in Clemmons, NC. A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation with the family is Wednesday, August 31, from 6 - 8 pm at Davidson Funeral Home, 858 Hickory Tree Rd. Winston-Salem, NC (Midway).

Estelle and her beloved twin sister, Ann Pickel McAlister, were born in Winston-Salem, NC on March 30, 1939, to Roy Lee Pickel and Celia Brewer Pickel, joining a lovingly-attentive older sister, Carolyn. The family lived on a tobacco and dairy farm in northern Davidson County. The twins attended North Davidson Senior High School and graduated from University of North Carolina Greensboro [Women's College] in 1961. Following graduation, Estelle married her high school sweetheart, Walter A. (Andy) Hill in July 1961.

With her degree in Early Childhood Education, Estelle enjoyed several teaching posts in the Winston-Salem schools and as a private kindergarten teacher at Friedberg Moravian Church. She was naturally gifted with children and continued using her gifts as an educator throughout her life.

Estelle's life centered around family and church. Of motherhood, she said she was less concerned with loving her children equally; she was more concerned with loving them uniquely. Her children, Walter A. Hill, Jr. (Michon), Elizabeth Hill Gulley (John), and Mayne Hill (Elizabeth), are grateful recipients of Estelle's unique love and nurture. Her grandchildren, Jesslyn, Nolan, Cecelia, Marcus, Seth, Zachary, and Elijah, and her great-grandson Rhyker, each thrived in the magical realm of Grandma's love. Estelle's extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins also shared in the simple joys of family time spent on the farm with Estelle picking blueberries, sharing stories, reading books, playing with toys at the hearth, or eating a slice of her delicious blue-ribbon recipe chocolate pound cake.

Estelle was baptized, confirmed, and married at Centenary United Methodist Church, Clemmons, her family’s church since its founding in 1883. For over 50 years Estelle served as a Sunday School teacher, a dedicated member of the Chancel Choir, and a leader in the United Methodist Women. Estelle's service to the UMW was recognized in 2021 when she was awarded the UMW Special Mission Recognition pin. Her passion for working with children and experience as an educator led her to accept the challenge to organize and serve as Chairperson of the Centenary Childcare for 10 years. Her calling was in service to others, and she did so with open heart and mind.

Estelle was an admirer of the natural world and a tireless gardener. She was an avid quilter, gifted seamstress, cook and homemaker who loved to entertain family and friends in her home.

The family is most grateful to her Bayada and Trellis caregivers, her many doctors, and her special friend, Renea. They helped her to remain at home, live beyond her illness, and enjoy each day to the fullest.

Memorial gifts can be directed to United Methodist Women in Faith Legacy Fund, ATTN Louise Davis, Centenary United Methodist Church 5280 Hampton Rd. Clemmons NC 27012.