Eleanor Phillips Hill, 94, of Newport News, Virginia departed this life on Saturday, October 28, 2023 after a very short stay in hospice care at Ryan House in Phoenix, AZ. Her unyielding commitment to faith, family and educating children were the cornerstones of her life.

She was born February 24, 1929 in Greensboro, NC, as the daughter of the late Oliver Phillips and Mattie Cooper.

Eleanor had a loving childhood as she grew up with her sister, the late Dolorise Bray, brother, the late Oliver "Buddy" Phiilips, and her dear cousins Yvonne Smith, Ronald Cooper and the late Gwendolyn Smith. Eleanor was surrounded by love and a house full of cousins whom she adored as though they were her siblings. These close-knit relationships continued through adult hood as they all often spoke daily and for hours at a time. Eleanor was affectionately known as "the family hugger". She would always approach you with a smile and a hug. She was a constant reminder of gratefulness and thankfulness. Eleanor had a love for music, playing the piano, reading and puppies. She would always say "I have lived a great life".

Eleanor grew up in Greensboro, NC where she received her early education in the Greensboro public schools. After graduating from Dudley Senior High School in 1946, she attended Bennett College and received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Education in 1950. Understanding the importance of education, she continued those studies at Columbia University in New York. Eleanor spent her summers studying and returned home and received her Master's Degree in Education from A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1958. Eleanor knew from a young age that teaching children was her passion as she landed her first job in Newport News Public Schools in 1950. There she began a dutiful and fulfilled career within the school system from teacher to supervisor of the Title1/Chapter 1 Program. She was recognized by the Commonwealth Of Virginia and United States Department of Education certificates of appreciation for decades of work and untiring devotion to the education of disadvantaged children in Virginia. As a stellar educator with the Newport News Public Schools system for 41 years Eleanor loved every moment with the children and was dedicated to nurturing and developing. With a cheerful attitude, bright smile, and a hug for everyone, Eleanor loved the children and they loved her. After retirement in 1991 Eleanor continued volunteer work tutoring and supporting projects and efforts for the children within the Newport News School System.

Her devotion, commitment and love of God was ever present in her life as she faithfully attended and served at First Church of Newport News (Baptist) for over 6 decades in a myriad of ways. From Sunday School teacher and supervisor, assisting with the food pantry, leading school supply drives for youth, and other duties as assigned. Eleanor was a true servant of God and was always thankful and grateful no matter the situation. Eleanor displayed her love of God every Sunday as she led the Sunday School program for over 60 years.

Eleanor cherished her beautiful relationship with her late sister Dolorise Bray and cousin Yvonne Smith. They talked every day, joyfully reminiscing about the "good ole days".  Relationships were important to Eleanor as she was a fantastic aunt and godmother. She had joy in her heart for everyone she met. She lived every moment to the fullest; always looking to God for guidance.

She is survived by her niece Sherri P. Brown, McLean, VA and nephew Michael Phillips, Greensboro, NC; great-nieces Kristen Brown, Washington, DC, Nailah Phillips, Charlotte, NC, and Kimberly Cuyun-Brown, Phoenix, AZ, great-nephews Nikolas Brown, Phoenix, AZ and Naeem Phillips, Washington, DC; great-great niece Sophie Cuyun-Brown and a very special first cousin of 92 years, Yvonne Smith, McLean, VA.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brother Oliver (Buddy) Phillips, nephews Tony Phillips and Bruce Phillips.

A Celebration Of Life is scheduled for 1pm on Nov 9, 2023 at First Church of Newport News (Baptist) located at 2300 Wickham Ave., Newport News, Virginia. The burial will immediately follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666