Lena Mae Hill

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised…

God needed an angel of exceptional compassion and caring.  He called Lena Mae Hill to fill this special position on November 7, 2022.

Lena M. Hill was born in Waelder, Texas on June 18, 1932 to Azalia (Lula) Mitchell and Rudolph Greenwood. She was the oldest of nine children: Chester R. Greenwood, (deceased), Charles Ollison (deceased), Raymond Ollison (deceased), Shelby Ollison (deceased), Rose Wilhite (deceased), Doris Milton, Odell Ollison, (deceased), Barbara Thompson and Quincy Ollison.

Her spiritual journey began at 12 years of age when she was baptized at Mt. Eden Baptist Church.  She has always had her faith, beliefs and was active in God’s House.

Lena attended Ralph Bunch High School and was one the only 8 students that graduated in 1950.  Excelling in academics and track, she received a scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M College of Texas, but due to responsibilities at home, she could not accept.

A few years later, she moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and then relocated to Brooklyn, NY.  Leaving Brooklyn behind in early 1957 and heading back to Texas (San Antonio).  Lena met and married the love of her life, Bobbie Hill (Athens, TX) in 1958.  They were married for 55 years until his death in 2013.  Together they raised 5 children.

 Married, Lena redirected her energy to focus on Family and a successful career in Cosmetology.  She attended and completed her beauty curriculum at Hicks Beauty School and was employed at Maurice’s Beauty Shop (New Braunfels St.) and Bobby’s Beauty Shop on ML King Drive (formerly Nebraska Street).  As a visionary, Lena was being confronted with the latest trends –  the “afro” and “wig”, she recognized it was time to “reinvent her wheel”.

In 1970, Lena the visionary, felt time for a career change.  She attended San Antonio College (SAC) and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Data Processing.  She was recruited by PRC/Randolph AFB and was employed there for 11 years.

Her third career choice was with the San Antonio ISD employed as a Paraprofessional for 16 years at S. J. Davis Middle School –  she loved children and education. In this calling, she formed lifelong relationships with her colleagues and students.

A woman of many talents, her last “wheel reinvented” was her certification from Wilton Cake Decorating.  She was well known in many communities (far and wide, in state and out of state) for her all-occasion beautiful and delicious cakes and confections.  Her fried apple pies…if you ever had one!

Lena had many passions which included travel (domestic and international), the San Antonio Spurs, sewing, baking and working in her beloved Bethel AME.  She served on Usher Board #1, Hospitality and Greeting Committee and worked with various charities and philanthropic endeavors. She loved helping all – Family, Friends, and the underprivileged.

Her Family was most important and a priority.  She instilled in her children that “You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but YOU can change YOURSELF.

Left to honor this virtuous woman and remember her eternal love are her children; Howard (Chiquinia), Robin (George), Keith (Barbie), Teresa, Kenneth (Cindy); 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.