Crystal Joy Hill

Crystal Joy Hill lost her 14 year battle with multiple sclerosis at 1:42 p.m. on February 25, 2015 and departed this world for God's heavenly kingdom and eternal life. Crystal was born in Homestead Township, Benzie County, MI to E.E. Joy and Stella (Bacon) Joy on September 1, 1932. She grew up in Benzonia, MI, attended schools in Beulah, MI. After graduating from Benzie County High School she attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazzo and earned an associate degree in retail buying and personnel management. She moved to Avon Park, FL in 1953 with her aunt and uncle. She was employed by the telephone company as a switchboard operator. In October 1953 she met a local young man who was working in construction. He attended the University of Florida from 1954 to 1956. Crystal and Zane Hill were married on February 14, 1956. Her husband's employment with the U.S. Forest Service took them to Pierce, Idaho, Tallahassee, FL, Atlanta, GA, Harrisonburg, VA, Winchester, IL, and Gainesville, GA. During her travels with her husband she experienced many opportunities to see many historic places: Chief Joseph's Area (Nez Perce Country), the Lolo Trail, Orofino Gold Discovery Site, Civil War sites around Tallahassee, and Virginia. Also the Shenandoah Valley, and the Red River Gorge area in Kentucky. She also had the unusual experience of living (for two months) in a lookout tower, 70 feet above ground, in a 14 x 14 cabin. Crystal also worked as a teacher's aide and the director of the personal care wing of the Northeast GA Medical Center Nursing Home. She had an exceptional personality and a marvelous way of using her sweet manner to endear herself to other people. She had a very loving and giving nature with a quiet strength that helped her in her devotion and love for her family, teach Sunday school and serve on the altar guild at the Episcopal Church. Crystal was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Don Joy, sister: Katherine Joy, a nephew: Douglas Joy, and a son Kevin Hill. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Zane V. Hill, of Sebring, sons: Timothy Hill of Gainesville, GA, Christopher Hill of Cumming, GA, and Andrew Hill of Virginia Beach, VA. Grandchildren: Michelle Hill, Kimberly Hill, Crystal Hill, Katie Hill, McKayla Hill, Alex Hill, and James Hill, brother: Douglas Joy of Beulah, MI, sisters: June Deering of Frankfort, MI, Gertrude Spencer of Mesik, MI. Crystal leaves a legacy of the value of loving kindness, patience, the power of prayer, and adhering to principles. Written by: Zane V. Hill. A Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Wauchula, FL with burial to follow at the Bougainvillea Cemetery in Avon Park, FL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home 111 E. Circle St. Avon Park, FL 33825 863-453-3101 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com