mariah hill nelson
1905-1975
Life Story
Birth
Mariah Hill Nelson was born on January 27, 1905, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Gus Hill (1872–1938) and Malissa Gipson Hill (1872–1935). She grew up in a rural farming community where family, labor, and church life were central to daily living.
Marriage and Family
Mariah married Charlie Wash Lewis (1894–1929). From this union, the following children were born:
- Roberta Lewis (1927–?)
- Bernice Lewis (1927–1929)
- Carina Lewis (1928–?)
In 1929, Mariah endured a profound double tragedy within the same day. Her infant daughter Bernice Lewis died first from whooping cough. Later that evening, her husband, Charlie Wash Lewis, was crushed in a farming accident, leaving Mariah widowed within hours of losing her child.
By 1930, Mariah had returned to the home of her mother, where she was listed as a farm laborer, supporting her surviving children in the aftermath of these losses.
Her second marriage was to Roy Williams (1901-1961), and following his death, she married a man with the surname Nelson. Currently, it remains uncertain whether any children were born from that marriage.
Community and Church Involvement
Mariah Hill Nelson was an active and repeatedly documented member of the St. John Homemaker (HM) Club, a women’s organization associated with Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. Newspaper accounts spanning multiple years place her regularly in meetings held in the homes of club members.
Within the Homemaker Club, Mariah frequently presented educational programs and participated in devotions and discussions addressing family life, health, parenting, consumer education, and community development. Her repeated role as a presenter reflects her leadership, literacy, and standing within the Saint John women’s network.
Death and Burial
Mariah Hill Nelson passed away on November 14, 1975. She is laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard, among generations of Saint John families whose lives were shaped by faith, work, and mutual support.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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