Bettie Jean Hill

Bettie Jean Life Story

Ms. Bettie Jean Hill of Philadelphia, PA transitioned on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Einstein Medical Center Hospital in Philadelphia.  She was born on February 14, 1954, in Edgefield County in South Carolina to Bobby T. Hill and Julia Quarles Hill.

 Bettie attended the public schools in McCormick, South Carolina, graduating from Mims High School in 1972.  She attended Lander University in Greenwood, SC.  While attending Lander University, Bettie became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. 

 Bettie was baptized and received Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age at Springfield Baptist Church in Edgefield, South Carolina and served in various ministries.  Over 40 years ago Bettie moved to Philadelphia, PA, where she resided until her death.  Upon moving to Philadelphia, Bettie joined the Mt. Sinai Tabernacle Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Joseph Fuller, Jr., on Sunday, October 18, 1981, where she served faithfully on the former Angelic Choir, the Mass Choir and a Teacher and Member of the Sunday School Department.

 In 1989, Bettie made the local news as she became the first African American Woman in Philadelphia, PA to receive a double kidney transplant.  Although Bettie didn’t have any biological children of her own, she fostered many children throughout the years and impacted many lives including her many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.  She will forever be remembered for her warm and beautiful smile and for being friendly to everyone she met and for her love for her family.

 Bettie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Robert Hill, Jr., Jasper Hill, Julia Holliday and Louise Tolbert.

 Bettie leaves to cherish her loving memories, her sisters: Bertha Culver of Philadelphia, PA and Mamie (Frank) Gilchrist of McCormick, South Carolina; brothers: David (Gerri) Hill of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Thomas (Linda) Hill of Bradley, South Carolina and Clifford (Mary) Hill of Greenwood, South Carolina; two aunts: Mrs. Mary Newson and Carol Newson, both of Philadelphia, PA and a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, many other  family members, friends, her spiritual mom, Ms. Frances Hamilton of Ambler, PA. and her Tabernacle Family, which she loved and adored. 

The family will be at their respective homes.

Please pray for the Hill Family as they go through their hour of bereavement.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the Hill Family

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