Newport News, Dorothy Gatling Hill, age 87, peacefully transitioned from this life on Tuesday , July 12, 2016.

Dorothy Gatling Hill was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina on June 8, 1929 to Tommie and Thelma Gatling. She is the oldest of their eight children. She readily accepted God at an early age and received her Christian education at Calvary Baptist Church in Ahoskie.

She received her education in the Ahoskie Public School System. Dorothy moved to Newport News, Virginia in 1951. She was a compassionate and dedicated employee while caring for patients at Whitaker Memorial Hospital in Newport News.

After joining Wesley Grove United Church of Christ, Dorothy became a member of the Deaconess Ministry and the Custodial Staff. She sang with and played for the Senior Choir. She got much satisfaction from being part of the ministry which fed the hungry on Wednesdays.

Dorothy had many interests. She loved flowers and enjoyed working in the flower beds in her yard. She could converse on many topics as she was an avid reader of books and newspapers. Dorothy enjoyed playing the piano and the organ. When she played at home, this was her "take it to the Lord" time. She shared her gift and love of the Lord by providing music for several local churches. One of Dorothy's many talents was her exemplary culinary skills. She could cook anything and make it delicious—macaroni and cheese, pig's feet, pound cake, collard greens, chicken pot pie, and her fruitcake that converted those of us who didn't like fruitcake!

She is predeceased by her parents, Tommie and Thelma Gatling; her husband, Lawrence Hill, Sr.; her brother, Chester Gatling; and her sisters, Katherine Wynn and Louise Slade.

She is survived by a very loving and devoted daughter, Shirley McLeod;  brothers, Reverend Linwood Gatling and Robert Gatling; sisters, Daisy Futrell and Verloine Bonner; step-children, Jevie Hill, Patricia Harris (Wayne), and Lawrence Hill, Jr. (Beverly); grandchildren, Raymond Hotson and his wife Carolina, Tonya Olden and her husband James, and Louis Mcleod; step-grandchildren, Ealdon Griffin, (Urbi), Lauren Ricks (Jonathan); great-grandchildren, Delano, Equan, Shan é qua, Kiesha?, India, Loius, Jr., Laila, Carmen, and Ahmad; two great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Wesley Grove United Church of Christ, 2308 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.