Hilda Rae Hill Gardner

Hilda Rae Hill Gardner, 91, of Dunn, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Harnett Woods Nursing and Rehab facility in Dunn.

A graveside service to honor Hilda’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, December 22 at Hill-Doughty Family Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Dale Childress. Following the service, the family will receive friends at 688 Roberts Road in Newport.

Hilda was born on May 2, 1933, in Trenton, North Carolina, to the late Mann and Jessie Pollock. She spent her life devoted to her family and faith. A true outdoorswoman at heart, Hilda loved fishing, especially with her sons, and tending to her garden. From an early age, she farmed side by side with her husband, building not just a strong work ethic but also a deep love for the land. She carried that same dedication into raising her children, teaching them to love Jesus and live with compassion, always putting others before herself.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was saved at Newport Baptist Church and remained a devoted Christian. Her unwavering trust in Jesus guided her through every season of life, teaching her family the power of faith and resilience. She had a spirited sense of humor, a love for snuff, her only vice, and a determination that ensured the sand beneath her feet never stilled her steps. In her later years, she faced Alzheimer’s with grace, supported by her family, who lovingly kept her afloat as she had done for them throughout her life. Her family takes comfort in knowing she has found eternal rest and peace in the arms of Jesus.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jane Childress (Dale) of Rocky Point, NC, Betty Lou Maynard (Clayton) of Dunn, NC, Janet Wenrich (Bryon) of Autryville, NC; sons, Donald “Don” Hill (Paula) of Summerville, SC, Al Hill (Alesia) of Newport, NC; brother, Harold Pollock (Linda) of Newport, NC; sister-in-law, Alice Pollock; step-children, Edna Bullard, Joyce Shirley, Betty Sue Smith; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Hilda was preceded in death by her husband’s Oscar Hill and Edison Gardner; her sisters, Julie Dickinson, Oleta Bunch, Margaret Mills; brothers, Bill Pollock, Arthur Pollock, Albert Pollock, and Mann Pollock Jr; son-in-law, Wayne Sessoms; and her grandbabies, Tyler, Emerson, and Hollyn.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

 Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.