I am broken-hearted. Mary Crockett Hill was one of the finest people I've ever known, a role model for all who knew her. She has died with colon cancer.
Mary was a wonderful writer (prose and poetry), a superb teacher (Roanoke College) and one of our most valuable teachers at the Roanoke Regional Writers Conference. I have a photo somewhere of her sitting on the floor in class, taking notes and holding one of her babies. Those were her priorities: learning and children.
She was a great mother who inspired her children, and she was kind, so very kind. If there is a heaven, it was built to house people like Mary Crockett Hill.
We don't have enough Mary Hills among us and losing one is devastating. She was, and remains, the very definition of "a beautiful soul."--Dan Smith, Roanoke VA
My sincere condolences to the family of this beautiful woman and fine poet. I met Mary once in Salem when she was in her early 20's, then again in our recent shared poetry group. She was that kind of person you felt you had always known. Her work and bright spirit always inspired me. I know she will continue to be a light to her family and to all those who loved her.
What a beautiful tribute to this beautiful person. Heartfelt condolences to you, Isabelle, and to your dad and brothers. I know Mary loved each of you very much.
Isabelle, This is a beautiful piece about your mom. I am thinking of you and your family this week. I feel so glad I got to know Mary a bit better through Cece and through your words.
The last few days have been particularly challenging- but also a celebration of Mary’s earthly life. Most importantly, the celebration of her passing through the valley of death into the loving arms of Jesus.
I wish I could communicate Mary’s genuinely beautiful spirit. She was miraculously gifted in humbly identifying the specific temporal need of whoever was in her presence. She could satisfy that need without drawing attention to herself - often without the person really understanding what had just happened; just them knowing that they were somehow more complete. She amazingly could even accomplish this feat through her creative writing. For a time, she was a very special Gift of God to this world.
Mary was a wonderful writer (prose and poetry), a superb teacher (Roanoke College) and one of our most valuable teachers at the Roanoke Regional Writers Conference. I have a photo somewhere of her sitting on the floor in class, taking notes and holding one of her babies. Those were her priorities: learning and children.
She was a great mother who inspired her children, and she was kind, so very kind. If there is a heaven, it was built to house people like Mary Crockett Hill.
We don't have enough Mary Hills among us and losing one is devastating. She was, and remains, the very definition of "a beautiful soul."--Dan Smith, Roanoke VA