Mart Pierson Hill

With the determination of outliving Jimmy Carter and ringing in the new year, Mart Pierson Hill passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 1. After more than a century of life, she has left a legacy of service, selflessness and devotion to her family, to Tallahassee and to many, many friends of all ages. Mart was the best wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother and friend ever. Mart was born to Fred and Almena Pierson, August 2, 1920, in Greenwood SC, where she lived for about one month. She often described herself as a South Carolinian, even though approximately 102 of her 104 years were spent in Tallahassee. She married Louis Hill in 1944, who was then a Captain in the Army and had recently returned from serving several years in the South Pacific. Two children followed, son Lou and daughter Almena. Mart and Lou were married for 59 years, until his death. They enjoyed entertaining, FSU football games, bridge (both outstanding bridge players) and spending summers in North Carolina. Mart played bridge less than two weeks before her death. As a mother and a friend, she stressed generosity, humility, inclusion and the acquisition of knowledge, often along with a sassy quip. Mart inherited a wonderful sense-of-humor gene. Often described as a “force of nature”, Mart had an indelible spirit and dedication to civic involvement, which were not only revered throughout the community but were catalysts for the growth of our city. While there are many organizations to which she dedicated her time, the following were of particular importance to her: Leon High School: There she was elected May Queen, cheerleader and student body officer twice. She also served on the staff of the school newspaper. She continued to be a loyal alumna and was awarded the Leon High School’s “Outstanding Alumna of the Month” in 2023. Florida State College for Women (now FSU): Mart entered FSCW with her best friend and “soul mate”, Helen Ausley Willis. In college Mart majored in English and Theatre, was again elected May Queen, as well as President of the student body, and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, and Village Vamps. In recognition of her involvement, leadership and infectious personality, she was voted “loveliest senior” by her classmates. One true highlight for her was hosting Pulitzer Prize winning poet Robert Frost when he visited the campus. She graduated in 1942, Mart continued to be involved with FSU, as a founding (and longest serving) member of the FSU Foundation, Opening Nights original committee member, football enthusiast (husband Lou was president of the Seminole Boosters twice), tireless supporter of music and theatre events, and generally being an ambassador for the University. In 1999 Mart was honored to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in appreciation for her many years of service to FSU. Trinity United Methodist Church: Mart was a lifelong member of Trinity and recalled fondly her childhood Sunday School classes. Mart and Louis were married in Trinity. Mart served on the Trustees Committee (Lou sponsored the dedication of the Trustee Room in her honor) the Parish Relations and Administration Committees. She was also a faithful member of Circle #1, attending her last meeting in December of 2024. Other community organizations in which she participated (or ran) were the Junior League, the Junior Museum, State of Florida Arts Council, LeMoyne Arts, and was a leader of Cub Scouts and Brownie Scouts for her children. Yet another notable event in Mart’s life was her being chosen to be a delegate to the 1960 Democratic National Convention. Subsequently she and Louis attended President John Kennedy’s inauguration, where “her friend” Robert Frost delivered the inaugural poem “The Gift Outright”. In addition to her children Lou Hill (Calynne) and Almena Pettit (Brooks), she is survived by grandchildren Coleman Brooks (Courtney) of Washington DC ,Rachel Bartlett (Brian) of Simpsonville SC, Brittany Dean (Wilson), and Pierson Hill (Kim); step-grandchildren John Pettit (Kelly) and Barbara Richard (Paul) of Atlanta; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild; several nieces and nephews, most especially niece Leah Stoetzel. She was predeceased by her brother Fred Pierson, and at age 104 (obviously) by her parents. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mart’s memory to Trinity United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 1086, Tallahassee 32301); Big Bend Hospice (1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee 32308) or the FSU Foundation (give.fsu.edu; Arts & Sciences F00214 or Fine Arts F05783). Thank you. Many thanks to the caring staffs at Westminster Oaks and Big Bend Hospice and the wonderful Visiting Angels, and to the loyal friends who visited and cared about her all through the years. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, with a reception immediately following in Moor Hall. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Hill family with their arrangements.

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Mart Pierson Hill

August 2, 1920 - January 1, 2025