Carolyn Frances Hill was a bright, accomplished, and active young woman whose life, though tragically cut short, left a lasting impression on her family and community. Known for her leadership, charm, and talent, she embraced life with enthusiasm and grace.
Early Life and High School Achievements
Carolyn Frances Hill was born on November 24, 1956, in Wilson, North Carolina. She was the youngest of four daughters of Jim and June Hill, growing up in a loving and supportive family environment.
Carolyn attended North Johnston High School, where she quickly distinguished herself as a vibrant and engaged student. She was highly active in school activities, demonstrating her leadership skills as the treasurer of the Student Body and the secretary of her class. Her popularity and school spirit were evident in her role as a cheerleader for two years and her selection as a member of the spring homecoming court.
Pageantry and Community Recognition
Carolyn's poise and accomplishments extended beyond school activities into the world of pageantry. In March 1973, while still a sophomore, Carolyn was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Miss North Carolina Teenager Pageant, held in Charlotte. She was judged on a comprehensive set of criteria including scholastic achievement, personality, poise, and beauty. As part of the competition, she also thoughtfully wrote and recited an essay titled "What's Right About America."
Her success continued in 1974 when she once again competed in the Miss North Carolina Teenager pageant, where she earned the special distinction of being selected Miss Congeniality, a testament to her kind and amiable spirit. That same year, her peers at North Johnston High School elected her as their 1974 North Johnston Homecoming Queen. Further showcasing her community involvement and leadership, Carolyn was honored as the North Carolina Queen of the Junior Order in 1975.
Education, Work, and Tragic Passing
Carolyn graduated from North Johnston High School in 1975. Eager to continue her intellectual and professional development, she furthered her education at Wilson Technical Institute. Parallel to her studies, Carolyn also gained valuable work experience as a dedicated sales clerk for the Belk-Tyler department store in Wilson.
Tragically, Carolyn's promising young life was cut short on August 30, 1976, when she was killed in a two-car crash on Highway 42 at 6:30 p.m. in Buckhorn, Wilson County, North Carolina. She was 19 years old.
Her funeral service was held on September 1, 1976, at Grizzard's Funeral Home in Kenly. Carolyn Frances Hill was laid to rest in the Hill Family Cemetery in Kenly, a place of family history where her father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and other beloved family members are also buried. Though her time was brief, Carolyn's memory lives on through the impact she made and the love she shared.