Jake Hill

Osborn "Jake" Hill, a beloved father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 97 in Winnsboro, Texas.

Born on October 25, 1927 in Naples, Texas, Jake was the first of 8 children, born to the union of Riley Hill and Lillie Mae Isaiah Hill. He was a man who embodied hard work, dedication, and deep family values, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who loved him.

Jake started off in church at an early age. He was originally a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church where he and his father walked to services each Sunday morning. As a young adult, he moved to Winnsboro in 1949, and shortly after he met and married Ms. Sammie K. Fletcher. Soon after they started a family, Jake became a member of Hynson Chapel CME church. His membership remained at Hynson Chapel until he transitioned from this earth.

Jake actively held positions on the Steward and Trustee Boards until his health began to fail at the age of 93. Although he was not as active over the last 4 years, he still attended services remotely. His pastor checked on him after each service; and he always told her he was “blessed” and “still here”, and that he was thankful for life.

In Naples, Jake started working at the age of 17 in a dry cleaning and alteration shop. S. T. Smith gave him his first opportunity and he remained there for a few years before moving to Winnsboro. He developed a reputation and was known for his good work all over the town. After coming to Winnsboro, he moved around on various jobs until he was able to get hired on at Gearner Cleaners and Men’s Store. In all, he spent 15 years in dry cleaning and alterations.

If you were out in Winnsboro, it would not be uncommon to see lights on at various offices around town because Jake cleaned many of the main businesses in town. Even the police knew him and sometimes would stop by just to chat. Some of the offices that he cleaned were:

Frank White’s Well Service, Vick’s Well Service , Renshaw’s Well Service, Cain Bank, Swepco, Arkla Gas, Dr. Henry F. Cannaday, DDS, Dr. Gambling, DDS., The Bandbox of Fashions, Earl Brown’s Grocery Store and Bobby Ray’s Grocery Store.

Later in life, Jake started a successful lawncare business of his own (Osborn J. Hill Lawn Service). Through the years, he gave lots of young men a job and he even partnered worked with the HECE program at Winnsboro High School some years. His business served the community with care and precision, earning the trust and respect of many around town. He took care of many of the Main Street businesses until he could not longer work.

In 1950, Jake married his beloved wife, Sammie K. Hill, on October 31st, and together they raised a family of six children grounded in love and faith. Sammie preceded him in death on November 2, 2011, and their enduring love remained a source of strength for the rest of his life.

He leaves behind his children: Aubrey G. Hill (and wife Alice Marie), John W. Hill (and wife Laura), George "Sam" R. Hill (and wife Wanda A.), Felecia A. Hill (and husband Earnest), and Rachelle M. Hill Washington (and husband Terrance). His legacy also lives on through his sister, Patricia Hill, son-in-law Rodney Anderson; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

Jake was preceded in death by his wife, Sammie K.; daughter, Linda K. Hill Anderson; great-granddaughter, Alexis Nicole Greene; and siblings: Obie L. Warren, O'Brian Hill, Ludie Hill, James Hill, Johnny Ray "J.R." Hill, and Riley Hill Jr.

Jake’s life was filled with countless quiet moments of love, wisdom, and kindness. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His family takes solace in the lasting memories he created and the example of integrity he set for all who were fortunate to be part of his life.