Mary M. Hill

Mary M. Hill

Mary Lillian McCombs Hill passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. A native of Aberdeen, Mary was born September 27, 1926 to John Knox and Troy Milam McCombs. She graduated from Aberdeen High School and continued her education at Mississippi State University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, YWCA Cabinet and Council and the Mississippi State University Choir. While at Mississippi State University, she met and married Maurice Hill. While continuing their education, they lived with one of their teachers and his family. They were married sixty-eight years until his death, July 16, 2015. 

Mary had a servant’s heart and was an active volunteer throughout her life. In 2020 and 2021, The Ripley Chickasaw Nation Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored Mary in recognition of her founding and sustaining membership of 69 years. On March 5, 2021, Mary was nationally recognized in the Order of the Shield ceremony, which commemorated 79 years of membership in Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. 

She was also a member for 47 years of the Colonial Dames. Her current membership was with the Hernando De Soto Chapter, but she was a past member of the Tupelo chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century. 

While able, Mary volunteered and was a member of Chapter 97 Mended Hearts. While she lived in Ripley she volunteered with the Easter Seals, American Heart Association, Cancer Society, Mental Health and the American Red Cross. 

Mary was a former member of Ripley Century Civic Club, Cub Scout leader, Tippah County Hospital Auxiliary, and other Tippah County volunteer organizations. She was a former member of the Good Samaritan Camping Club of Tupelo. 

Mary was the oldest member of Tupelo First Baptist Church where she was a former Sunday school teacher, including Children’s I Department. She was a former member of First Baptist Church, Ripley, where she was a Sunday school teacher and active in many church activities. 

Her husband, Maurice, was a Hospital Administrator for thirty-one years. In addition to his profession, he was often invited by many churches to speak as a Lay Speaker. Mary and the children always traveled with Maurice to these numerous churches. 

Survivors include two sons, Maury Hill of Tupelo, Tom Hill and his wife, Sandra, of Germantown, Tennessee; nieces; and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maurice Hill; her parents, her sister, Earline McCombs Gregory; and her brother, James “Buddy” McCombs. 

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Pegues, Tupelo. 

Services celebrating Mary’s life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Matt Powell and Rev. Ricky Young officiating. Graveside services will follow in Saltillo Cemetery. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. 

Pallbearers will be Retired Senior Circuit Judge John A. Gregory, Earl Jackson Gregory, III, Rob Hensley, Dr. James Clay Johnson, Jr., J.D. Boyce, Jimmy Byrd, Don Carter, Larry Graves, Ross Loftin, Bart Mason, Jon Maynard, Jack McFerrin, and Bill Stennett. 

Honorary pallbearers will by Dr. Frank Fortenberry, Jerry Green, Mike Guyton, Mike Harrison, Dr. Kenneth Harvey, and Hazel Wright. 

Memorials may be made in her honor to Tupelo First Baptist Church, 300 North Church Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804; Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 W Main Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801; or a church or charity of giver’s choice. 

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.