of Little Rock, AR
August 4, 1962 - January 21, 2021
Marian Holly Hill, 58, of North Little Rock, died on January 21, 2021. She was born on August 4, 1962, to William C. and Marian Hill in Little Rock. Holly was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two brothers, Tom Hill (Debbie) of Little Rock, Robert Hill (Heidi) of Midland Park, NJ, and a sister Kelly Cooper (Jack) of Los Angeles and North Little Rock. Her nieces and nephew included Sarah Bruner (Kyle), Anna Hill, Elizabeth Hill, Mary Claire Hill, Paulina Hill, Robert Hill, and Katy Cooper. Holly was particularly fond of her nieces and nephew, sharing many laughs with them after the famous ''Holly push.''
Holly was born with Down Syndrome. Her mother and father loved her dearly and were determined Holly would be as important (maybe more?) as her siblings to the family. Holly had a happy, loving disposition. She loved to sing along to Amen!, I've Been Working on the Railroad, You Are My Sunshine, and a host of other songs. She particularly liked to sing ''Someone's in the kitchen with Holly, someone's in the kitchen I know-oh-oh-oh''¦'' She was a happy soul and brought a special joy to those around her.
Holly lived at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center for many years. Her home there provided safety, caring, medical care, and a beautiful wooded setting where she could walk around (although somewhat precariously!) and attend classes. The staff loved Holly dearly, and recognized her special sparkle; they treated her as ''family,'' always helping her to grow and develop her abilities. We cannot thank them enough. Our deep appreciation goes to Kerry Gambill, Superintendent, and all the staff there.
Holly's mother, Marian, was an active advocate in Arkansas as well as Washington, DC, for the developmentally disabled over decades. Part of Holly's legacy which continues to this day is the enduring work done on her behalf by her mother and others.
Finally, Holly taught her siblings much. They learned how valuable Holly was to their family as an image-bearer of God. She had worth beyond what she might accomplish by helping them learn to accept, love, and serve one who wasn't able to do for herself. They watched their parents include Holly in family activities, going to special holiday meals in very nice settings, and in their church life. Holly and her mom started a class, The Miracle Helpers, at the First United Methodist Church, NLR, for the developmentally disabled, and hosted swim parties and birthday parties for her peers. There was often a special friend invited to join the family for Christmas or Easter meals along with Holly. Yes, her siblings and their children saw love in action in serving, loving, and accepting Holly and those who have more difficult challenges than themselves.
Holly will be greatly missed by her brothers, sister and large extended family. To our joy, Holly ran, danced, and sang her way into God's presence on January 21st.
Graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2021 at Bellwood Memorial Park, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
Memorials may be made to the Arkadelphia Human Development Center Parent's Association, 1 Prator Dr., Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
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17 Condolence(s)
Christa Hill
Friday, January 29, 2021
Thank you for gracing our lives, Holly, with your gentle soul and loving spirit.
I will always remember your warm and bright smile, the twinkle in your eye, and your quintessential Holly Hill laugh.
You taught this younger cousin the joys of Price is Right. :) I remember watching my very first game show with you as you twirled your favorite black sock.
Most importantly, you taught us all how beautiful and unspoken love can be. The memories of you with Aunt Mim, Uncle Bill, Tom, Robert and Kelly will forever be in my heart.
Love,
Christa
Billy and Kelly Whitley
Friday, January 29, 2021
Prayers for you all. I know she is so happy to be with her parents again. She was a precious soul.
Lucy Dykr
Friday, January 29, 2021
My heart is with Holly’s family. I am grateful to have felt the warmth and play and joy Holly inspired you all. Thank-you for sharing this with the rest of us and taking such loving care of your sister, aunt, and niece. May you have some of the peace that surpasses understanding during this transition. And may you never stop singing.
Kimberly White and Christopher Houser
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Dear Kelly, Jack, Katy and family,
Our hearts go out to you at this time. We send you lots of love. The stories you have shared about Holy are so touching and sweet. We will be thinking of you all.
Ann Beene Gardner
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Kelly, what a joy Holly was to be around. The Beene family sends our love and is praying for all of you at this time.
Julie Pitts- Stallcup
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
I will miss you Holly :(
Lynn Fortner
Monday, January 25, 2021
Kelly and family,
My sympathy to you and yours. Praying that God’s peace and comfort will surround you. I know you have wonderful memories of Holly and she will be missed.
Emma Jean Poole
Monday, January 25, 2021
May God wrap each of you in His loving arms as He welcomes Holly home. Emma Jean
Jan L Fortney
Monday, January 25, 2021
I never met Holly, but knew Marian for many years through our advocacy together. She spoke of Holly all the time. What a precious obituary. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm praying for your sweet family, and all the friends who were touched by Holly's life!
Richard & Susan Cox
Monday, January 25, 2021
Praying for the Hill Family during this time of Holly's passing. Thankful for her sweet spirit and her loving family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard & Susan Cox
Monday, January 25, 2021
Praying for the Hill Family during this time of Holly's passing. Thankful for her sweet spirit and her loving family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gay Botsford
Monday, January 25, 2021
She was a happy soul and her Uncle Bud Botsford and I enjoyed her very much. On one occasion Holly had learned to drum and she loved it so much, she would laugh as she drumed. Her parents and she are together again!
Fly high Holly,
Love Aunt Gay.
Charles Smith
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Holly was very special. I enjoyed our "talks" when I took her home to visit her mom. I am sure she will be missed by family and friends.
Laura Botsford
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Our lives were so enriched by you dear Holly! I will always remember you as the joyful soul who brought sunshine and love unconditionally with a whole heart to everyone you met with your laughter and twinkling eyes.
Connie Scherz
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Holly you are loved and missed. Thank you for blessing us with your precious life among us. XOXOXO
Tammy Myers
Saturday, January 23, 2021
I took care of my sweet Holly for 7yrs at AHDC,and loved her like she was my own child. I'm really sad to hear of her passing but know she is one happy lady to be back with her mom whom she loved so much. My prayers 🙠are with the family and may God give you all the strength you need. I am thankful for the time I had with Holly she taught me how to love,when I didn't want to be bothered,she was most definitely a shining star. Be blessed.
Tammy Myers
Saturday, January 23, 2021
I took care of my sweet Holly for 7yrs at AHDC,and loved her like she was my own child. I'm really sad to hear of her passing but know she is one happy lady to be back with her mom whom she loved so much. My prayers 🙠are with the family and may God give you all the strength you need. I am thankful for the time I had with Holly she taught me how to love,when I didn't want to be bothered,she was most definitely a shining star. Be blessed.