Dalaree Hill

Mrs. Dalaree Hill, known to many as “Rita,” earned her heavenly wings on November 1, 2025. Born in Gastonia, NC, to Willie Ford and Mary Hamilton Ford, Dalaree lived a life of grace, faith, and unwavering love for family and friends. To know Dalaree was to love her and love her special love for the Lord and all he stood for. She graduated with her high school diploma through the NC Board of Education in 1978 and continued her education at Rutherford College, where she earned credentials as an Office Specialist in 1985 and soared academically as a Dean’s List recipient. Her passion for learning led her to obtain certification in Medical Billing and Coding from Central Piedmont Community College in 2011. Dalaree used her skills to ensure smooth transitions for patients and accurate billing in Home Care, later returning to her love of administrative work as an Administrative Assistant at Genpak in Charlotte, NC, where she was cherished for her professionalism, warmth, and dedication. Dalaree was known for her infectious smile, caring demeanor, and elegant style. She carried herself with class, poise, and charisma, leaving a lasting impression wherever she went. She was the strong link within her family, always ready to lend a helping hand—whether listening, sharing wisdom, cooking a hot meal, babysitting, or simply offering love and support. Her life was a reflection of God’s love, spoken through her actions. She took great pleasure in studying the Word of God, a devotion that began in childhood. Dalaree also enjoyed organizing and decorating, reading, solving puzzles, traveling, and spending time with family and friends, especially her beloved husband, Ricky Hill. Dalaree is survived by her husband Ricky Hill; three sons, Terrence Smith (Wanda), James Smith (Lydia), and Terry Hill Sr. (Sta’Ce); an acquired daughter, Sta’Ce Worthy-Hill, whom she declared as her own; one brother, Willie Ford Jr.; two sisters, Joyce Nelson and Dorothy Green (Alphonzo); a grandson, (Terry Worthy-Hill) whom she raised as her own; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her. She also leaves behind special friends who became family—Mr. Paul & Toni Haviland, Chuck Wilcox, and many dear friends from Genpak. She was preceded in death by her father Willie Ford, mother Mary Hamilton Ford, and a brother Freddie Ford. Dalaree’s legacy of faith, kindness, and elegance will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Dalaree Hill

November 10, 1957 - November 1, 2025