Bernice Freeman Hill

Bernice Freeman Hill, a beloved figure in her community, a longtime resident of Liberty County since 1977, and the matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in Jesup, Georgia, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of hospice. She was born on May 24, 1941, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Throughout her life, Bernice graciously supported her husband, James Alva Hill, as a devoted military wife. She later enjoyed a fulfilling career at the post exchange on Fort Stewart and in Wiesbaden, Germany. Her dedication to education began at Gordo High School and continued throughout her life as she held various roles that enriched her community.

Bernice was not only a cherished family member but also an active participant in her community. She served as a Sunday school teacher and was a respected Girl Scout leader. Her generous spirit shone through her volunteer work at nursing homes, where she brought comfort and joy to many. A lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 6602, Bernice held many positions, and she was a charter member of the DAV Auxiliary Post 0168, demonstrating her commitment to service and her deep appreciation for her country.

In addition to her dedication to family and community, Bernice embraced life with a vibrant personality. A proud member of the Red Hat Ladies Society and affectionately considered a Georgia peach, she loved good home cooking, reading books, traveling, and enjoying leisure activities such as music and reading. Bernice was an Author of her own family cookbook. Her fondness for animals—particularly cats and dogs—further showcased her nurturing spirit.

Bernice is survived by the love of her life, James Alva Hill, with whom she spent 65 years of marriage, and by her daughters: Pamela H. Schmidt (Stephen), Angela H. Lewis (Raymond), and Amanda Arnold (Gary). Her grandsons Kevin Schmidt, Stuart Ross Lewis Jr, Robert Milton Lewis, Granddaughters Ashley Marie (Arnold) Wells, and Courtney Kay (Arnold) Goode, Great-Grandsons Elliot Ross Lewis, Ethan Grant Lewis, Eli James Lewis, Jack Allen Goode, Clyde Scott Goode, Clenton Arnold “Tripp” Wells, and Lane M. Deal, Great-Granddaughters Madalynn Elizabeth Schmidt, and Emma Grace Lewis, she is also survived by her sister, Dorothy F. Ray.

Bernice was preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice Reese Freeman; her father, Robert Belton Freeman; and her siblings: Pauline Guy, Vaudene Goodwin, Ozell Sullivan, James R. Freeman, and Jimmy Freeman.

Family will receive friends on Friday Feburay 27, 2026, starting at 12 p.m., at Compass Worship Center Church of God in Ludowici, Georgia.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday Feburay 27, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Compass Worship Center Church of God in Ludowici, Georgia, with Pastor Byron Powers officiating.

Burial will follow in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia, at 3 p.m.

Active pallbearers will be Kevin Schmidt, Stuart Ross Lweis Jr, Robert Milton Lewis, Hagen Goode, Clint Wells, and Gary Eason

Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Scozzafava and Bill Leedy.