Tessie Marie (Byrd) Hill

Tessie Marie Byrd Hill of Kinston passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 2, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Anna Lee Howard Byrd. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.

Tessie enjoyed camping with her children and grandchildren whether it be at the beach or zoo. She enjoyed cooking big meals for her family on Sundays and loved working in her yard. You could see her on the lawn mower every week keeping that yard clean. She enjoyed spending time with her sisters and brothers at the restaurant in Pink Hill or Bojangles in Beulaville.

Tessie was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, William Woodrow Hill of 46 years and Robert Hill of 20 years, her sister, Elizabeth Byrd Stanley, brothers, Ernest Byrd, Jr. and Perry Lee Byrd.

She is survived by her sons, James William Hill and wife Linda Quinn Hill of Clayton and Russell Gary Hill (Rusty) of Swansboro. Additionally, she leaves behind her grandchildren, Lisa Michelle Hill DePiano and husband Christopher, Russell Gary Hill, Jr. and Jordan Blade Hill and wife Hannah, as well as five great grandchildren, Isabella DePiano, Matthew DePiano, Lilly Hill, Rylan Hill and Amelia Hill. Additionally, her sisters, Ruby Lee Byrd Smithe and Anna Irene Byrd Davis.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston with Joey Herring officiating.

The family would like to extend a very special Thank You to Dr. Sukriti Kamboj and staff at ECU Health Kinston Oncology and Kitty Askins Hospice Center for your kindness, patience and all of your loving care that was given to our mother. A very special Thank You to Irene Davis for all the time you have spent with Tessie for the last year. You are a blessing to the family.