John Thomas Stancil » Tempy Ann Stancil » Millard Lee Hill » Virginia Eloise Hill Sidelinger

Virginia Eloise Hill Sidelinger

Eloise and Wayne got married Sept. 30, 1950, in Washington, D.C.
Eloise and Wayne got married Sept. 30, 1950, in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy Stancil Family Reunion Archive

The lives of Virginia Eloise Hill and Wayne Elwin Sidelinger spanned nearly a century, intertwining to create a legacy of family, community, music, and shared passions. Their story begins in different corners of the country, brought together by fate and a shared commitment to building a life filled with joy and purpose.

Early Lives and Forming Years

Eloise was born on March 9, 1929, in O'Neal Township of Johnston County, North Carolina, delivered by a neighborhood woman, Aunt Topsey Richardson. Her birth came just seven months before the onset of the Great Depression, an era that shaped the resilience of her generation. The granddaughter of Frederick "Fred" A. Hill and Tempy Ann Stancil, Eloise grew up on the family farm, a place of abundant life with tobacco, corn, livestock, a large garden, and an orchard. She was the youngest of five children, with an older brother, Vernon "Jim" Fletcher Hill, and three older sisters: Mavis Cassandra, Hazel, and Beatrice LaRue. Her large extended family, including 13 aunts and uncles on her father's side, meant Eloise knew everyone. Her Aunt Nancy Lee Hill Callender and Uncle Bill affectionately nicknamed her "Wez." Eloise attended Mizpah Presbyterian Church and the Pentecostal Holiness church.

A natural musician, Eloise began her musical journey at just seven years old when her father, Millard, bought a pedal organ. He taught her to play "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down," and she quickly learned to play by ear. Her sister Bea would often help by moving the pedals when the organ's own stopped working. By age 13, Eloise was playing at church services, mastering two keys. She started her education at Moore's School House and later graduated from Glendale High School.

Meanwhile, Wayne was born on February 19, 1928, in Monson, Maine, to Claude Lyndon Sidelinger and Hazel Mahala Andrews. Growing up in a small but vibrant community, Wayne excelled in both summer and winter sports and was actively involved in civic and social clubs—a passion that would define much of his adult life. His father, Claude, was a teacher and later superintendent of schools in Monson. Wayne graduated from the century-old Monson Academy in 1945.

Military Service and A Fateful Meeting

Upon graduation from high school in 1945, at the age of 17, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Quantico, Virginia, where he was stationed in 1947 and 1948. After his honorable discharge in 1948, Wayne began working for Sherwin Williams Paint Company. It was during this period, while attending Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C., that he met Eloise Hill.

After graduating from Glendale High School, Eloise had accepted an invitation from her Aunt Nancy Lee Hill Callender—a stenographer in D.C.—to move to the city. Eloise also enrolled in Benjamin Franklin University. Her first job was as secretary to the National President of the American Automobile Association, where she rode the train to work, always impeccably dressed in gloves, hat, heels, and a nice dress. She later worked for Clarence Godber Burton, a U.S. Representative from Virginia.

Eloise and Wayne got married Sept. 30, 1950, in Washington, D.C. From left, Oscar & Margie Davis (Zilphia's cousin & wife), Mr. & Mrs. Claude Sidelinger, Wayne & Eloise, Mavis Hill Godwin & husband Narvin, Nancy Hill Callender & husband Bill.
Eloise and Wayne got married Sept. 30, 1950, in Washington, D.C. From left, Oscar & Margie Davis (Zilphia's cousin & wife), Mr. & Mrs. Claude Sidelinger, Wayne & Eloise, Mavis Hill Godwin & husband Narvin, Nancy Hill Callender & husband Bill.
Courtesy Stancil Family Reunion Archive

Marriage and Building a Family

Eloise and Wayne began dating, and their connection deepened. Wayne, a corporal in the Marines, and Eloise married on September 30, 1950, at the Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Eloise wore a beautiful long white satin gown with a full-length train and a fancy tulle veil, borrowed from a dear friend. Her sister Mavis and Narvin Godwin drove up for the wedding.

Within days of their wedding, Wayne was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. He served there until his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1952.

In 1952, Eloise and Wayne made a pivotal decision to move to Wilson, North Carolina, settling close to Eloise’s family. The warmer climate and southern cooking also played a part in their choice. Their family quickly grew with the arrival of their four children: Michael Wayne, Steve Lee, Lyndon Earl, and Nancy Eloise.

Eloise's early career in music was notable; at 16, she was the vocalist for the Sunset Pals Band on WGTM in Wilson, N.C., a country band featured on Saturdays. She also had her own two Saturday shows, singing popular songs accompanied by a piano, and was part of the locally produced "Mustard and Gravy Radio Program." The musical director, Mr. Davis, taught her proper breathing techniques. She met nationally known singers like Eddie Arnold and Carl Parker during her time at WGTM. Eloise, an excellent dancer, even taught her brother-in-law Shine and Laverne’s husband, Donald Gray Murray, to dance.

Entrepreneurship and Shared Passions

In 1956, after her father's death, Eloise helped her mother and niece, Laverne, grade and tie tobacco for market, all while caring for her young sons, Steve, 4, and Michael, 1.

A significant chapter for the couple began in 1965 when Eloise and Wayne opened The Antique Barn in Wilson. Their son, Steve, a teenager at the time, also worked in the business. Wayne, who had honed his craft of restoring antique furniture in his home workshop, made frequent trips to Maine to purchase inventory. In 1980, they expanded their venture, opening The Antique Barn & Hobby Shop, selling trains of all scales, radio control cars, boats, planes, and helicopter models. They operated the business until its closing in 2018.

Wayne's lifelong love for trains led him to become a well-known railroad modeler. He was a founding member of the Wilson Area Railroad Modelers Club, which built and operated a large HO scale railroad layout above The Hobby Shop, drawing visitors from across the country. Eloise and Wayne frequently hosted annual picnics and cookouts for the club, their home often referred to as "The Bed and Breakfast on Windemere" due to their wonderful, welcoming hospitality.

Community Involvement and Lasting Bonds

Both Eloise and Wayne were deeply committed to their community. Wayne was a pillar of civic duty, a member of the Wilson Jaycees and the Wilson County Antique Dealers Association. He served as Scout Master of Troop 89 at Winstead United Methodist Church for many years. A Life Member of the Wilson Evening Optimist Club, Wayne held many leadership positions in the local and Carolina East District of Optimist International, raising funds for youth programs. Eloise, a Charter Member and Life Member of the Wilson-Golden Circle Optimist Club, founded in 1987, always supported Wayne in his community activities.

Eloise was instrumental in organizing the annual Glendale High School class reunion, starting in 1983. She formed the Glendale Reunion Committee and personally contacted classmates. She was also a wonderful, caring sister, frequently calling her sisters and cherishing their conversations. Eloise and her sister Bea enjoyed traveling, going on several trips with Laverne and Donald to places like Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland, and museums.

The couple cherished visits from family, especially their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews during the summers. Eloise would take them on guided tours to historical sites, family farms, and the Hill Family Cemetery, which she looked after throughout her life, and where her parents and other family members are buried. Eloise's appreciation of the past extended to meticulously recording her mother Zilphia's knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants, preserving details of how she used them for natural healing.

A Legacy of Joy and Warmth

Eloise's personality was marked by a beautiful, welcoming smile and an ability to make everyone feel special. She shared wonderful family memories and anecdotes, and her entertaining presence ensured that all gatherings were filled with laughter and funny stories. An "aura of sunshine" surrounded her, brightening the lives of those around her.

Eloise passed away on January 21, 2016, in Wilson, N.C., at the age of 86. A memorial service celebrating her life was held at Winstead United Methodist Church.

Wayne Elwin Sidelinger died at 95 on July 23, 2023, in Wilson, North Carolina, having lived a life rich in dedication to his family, business, and community.

Together, Eloise and Wayne created a life of shared endeavors, warm hospitality, and enduring love, leaving an indelible mark on their family and the Wilson community.

— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil

In Remembrance

Niece Brenda Hill Pollard remembers Eloise:

Aunt Eloise was special.

My fondest memories are the "special" times she would share family history, her laughter and wit, and telling me and my family "over and over" she loved us.

She always shared fond memories of my father, Vernon Hill, and mother, Dorothy Hill, with me and my sisters.

Our mother, Dorothy Hill, died in August, 2014, and she was a "tremendous" support to us. She invited everyone to her home for a time of remembrance.

She was always encouraging, engaged, and "happy" to see you.

Aunt Eloise was a Southern lady, and she will be "greatly" missed.

May she rest in the loving arms of God.

Brenda Hill Pollard, daughter of Dorothy and Vernon Hill

In Remembrance

Gene Godwin remembers Eloise:

Eloise was a big sister. She was seven years older than I was.

She had special talents and could play any song on the piano or organ if you could sing or hum it. She was a very talented singer who, at age 16, sang on a Wilson, North Carolina radio station with two guys from Wilson by the professional name of Mustard and Gravy. I think she eventually had her own radio show in Wilson on WVOT, Wilson's Voice of Tobacco Land or WGTM. (I think it was one of the two).

By the time I was old enough to know what was going on, she had moved to Washington, D. C. and lived for several years. It was in D.C. she met her husband, Wayne Sidelinger.

She was a typical Hill female with an outgoing, bubbly personality, loved people and always fun to be around. Never saw her in a depressed mood. She was the last of the Millard and Zilphia Hill generation.

Gene Godwin, son of Mavis

In Remembrance

Niece Linda Hill Archer remembers Eloise:

Her home: she would always ask me to come visit her if in town. Enjoyed doing this so we could walk down memory lane.

Phone calls: Hello, sweetie or honey end of call: I luv you!

Family: So proud of Uncle Wayne, children/their spouses, and grandchildren. For example; graduating from school/college, awards they received, watching her grandchildren grow up. She loved her nieces and nephews, too.

Friends: She was a people person always thankful for her long life friends, neighbors, and employees/customers at the Antique Barn.

Organization: A great personality Aunt Eloise excelled at selling Stanley products mother still has the pink Stanley plastic bowl that she would keep homemade tea cakes in that she purchased from Aunt Eloise Stanley Party. She spoke fondly of the Optimist Club and Stancil Family Reunions.

Parents: She was going to write a family book one day. She loved to tell how papa was a wonderful daddy. Mama loved cats, was a great cook, and she enjoyed watching TV especially Johnny Carson. She loved Uncle Wayne’s family. Aunt Eloise would call my mother and sister june to ask them to watch bluegrass music on Channel 4 ... She loved it. It reminded her of her days singing on the radio in Wilson, NC. A few years ago I asked her to sing me a song and she sang "You Are My Sunshine."

Siblings -- my daddy: He was a great dancer and had pretty hands. My mother was a pretty bride.

Aunt Bea and Uncle Joe: She loved them. Aunt Eloise and Aunt Bea loved to tell jokes on bus trips to events.

Aunt Hazel, Uncle Shine, Aunt Mate, and Uncle Narvin loved to dance. As did Aunt Eloise and Uncle Wayne.

This poem was one I read to aunt eloise years ago and she asked me to mail her a copy. She loved it.

Mint

I "mint" to call and thank you but my time is in demand I "mint" to say "I love you" but I knew you’d understand I "mint" to send you flowers, but they cost so much, you know I "mint" to pray for you this morning, but I had someplace to go, I "mint" to say "forgive me" but that’s so hard to do I heard my lord say "bless you child" I hope he "mint" me too!

“He ‘mint’ you, too, Aunt Eloise.

Linda Hill Archer, daughter of Dorothy and Vernon Hill

In Remembrance

Niece Nancy June Hill Brinchek remembers Eloise:

Aunt Eloise and I would talk "often" on the phone late at night. She was always interested in my life and others. I visited her home, and she wanted me to take a walking stick with me. I told her I did not need a walking stick, but she advised someone else might need it. She always told me two things I will always remember which were "it is what it is", and "live life not just exist." I loved her very much. She will be greatly missed!

Nancy June Hill Brinchek, daughter of Dorothy and Vernon Hill

In Remembrance

Son Steve Sidelinger remembers his mom:

As a child I remember when we did not have urgent care centers. Mother had to deal with sickness and injuries at home.

I remember mother would take care of our family as a family doctor. Whether it was the flu or a cut from playing outside, she always had words of comfort and compassion. Our medicine cabinet did not have prescriptions but instead had home remedies. Iodine, Vaseline, aspirin and chicken noodle soup were her treatments. After treating our needs she would say "I'll kiss it and make it better." She was always there when we needed comfort and care. There was no place like home. This is just one of many memories of our home and how we lived as a family.

Steve Sidelinger

In Remembrance

Son Mike Sidelinger remembers his mom:

Mother's chicken pastry was my favorite. She knew how much I enjoyed it and served it often when I visited. That smell and taste will be with me forever!

Mike Sidelinger

In Remembrance

Son Lyndon Sidelinger remembers his mom:

Jennifer and I laugh at the mothers-in-law jokes. Mothers-in- law are the stereotypical mean women that their poor daughters-in-law can never live up to. Jennifer will tell you that this was so not the case with my mother. It was love at second sight, because Jennifer had meet my mother many years before when we dated in college. As Jennifer and I navigated our marriage in the early years, I would call my mom for her advice and she would always tell me to, "take Jennifer's sweet little face in your hands and tell her how much you love her and then give her a kiss." I so wish I could take my mother's face in my hand the same way and tell her again how much I love her and give her a sweet kiss on the cheek. We miss her so much, but will always be grateful for her unwavering love, support, understanding and thoughtful advice. How do you pay proper homage to someone who meant everything to you? How do you thank someone for doing naturally what they were meant to do, just being that loving presence? I unfortunately am not capable of articulating everything this amazing woman meant and continues to mean to me. I love you Mom. So very much. God bless.

Lyndon Sidelinger

In Remembrance

Daughter Nancy Sidelinger Herring remembers Eloise:

My mother could make anyone happier when they were sad, feel better when they were sick and more confident when they were doubtful. She brought comfort to those in need of a kind word and a counselor for those facing tough times. Even though she was considered a second mom by many, she always let me know that I was and would forever be her only baby girl.

Nancy Sidelinger Herring