Wise, Va.-Dorothy Ellen (Sparks) Hill, 79, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at her home.
Born in the Stone Mountain community of Coeburn, Va. She had lived most of her life in Coeburn and had lived in Wise for the past six years. She was one of 13 children. She loved bingo, dancing and watching NASCAR. She was of the Pentecostal faith. She never met a stranger and her door was always open to all. She was a mother figure to many.
She was preceded in death by three sons, Robert Hill, Ricky Hill and an infant son; a granddaughter, Cassandra Hill; her parents, Elgin and Georgia (Riner) Sparks; and twelve siblings.
Surviving are her children, Michael (Martha) Hill of Wise, Va., Brenda Adkins (Mark) of Coeburn; Tommy (Donna) Hill of Coeburn, Gary (Melissa) Hill of Coeburn, Charles Hill of Coeburn, John (Ilene “Arlene”) Hill of Wise, Lee (Christie) of Coeburn, Timmy Hill of Coeburn, Elisha Hamilton of Big Stone Gap, and Joshua (Julie) Hill of Coeburn; 27 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, who is like a daughter, Debbie Flanary of Wise, Va.
The family will receive friends 5:00pm – 7:00pm Friday, May 12, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00pm with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Hill family.