Barbara Ann Hill

Barbara Ann Hill, 87, of Summerville, wife of the late James “Tobin” Hill, USAF retired, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Barbara was born on July 11, 1935 in Canton, OH, daughter of the late Robert and Mary Lynch. She graduated from the Cathedral of Christ the King Girls High, Atlanta, GA and attended Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Barbara and Tobin were married at the Cathedral of Christ the King on July 13, 1957. She followed her beloved husband throughout his 25-year career in the United States Air Force to ultimately settle in their favorite spot, Summerville, SC. Barbara wrote for nearly eight decades, publishing her own little newspaper when she was just nine years old. She continued her life-long love of words by writing for every paper in every town or military base where they were stationed during 22 moves around the world. She joined the staff of the Summerville Journal-Scene in 1980 and covered the town as a part of her regular beat, ultimately rising to Features Editor. Her “Inklings” column was a consistent feature of the newspaper until 2020. She earned countless fans for her ability to tell funny, relatable stories about family, local heritage and entertaining. Barbara went to work for the Town of Summerville as its first historian, with the assignment to write a town history for its sesquicentennial anniversary. Summerville, South Carolina, 1847-1997: Our History, was published in 1988. She was then commissioned to pen the story of Summerville’s longest serving mayor. In 1989, her book Berlin G. Myers, “The Man and The Business,” was published. Besides these accomplishments, Barbara also took great pride as the co-founder of Summerville Writer’s Guild now in its 28th year. She also served on the original board for the ABCC (Art, Business, Civic Coalition) and as a Summerville Sweet Tea Trolley Tour guide, spreading her enthusiasm for local history far and wide. Barbara was also instrumental in helping form the non-profit Cultural Arts Alliance of Summerville. She was an active member of St. John the Beloved Catholic Church. Barbara is survived by her children: Cathryn Hill Mahon (Todd), David Anthony Hill (Amy Goebel), James T. Hill, Jr., Mary Clare Hill Gatch (Mike). Grandchildren: Riley Hill, Grace Hill, Adam Hill, Jimmy Gatch (Liz Olson), Drew Gatch and Anna Gatch. Siblings: Michael Lynch (Jeannette), Cynthia Lynch Troneck (Jon), Dan Lynch and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Christopher Joseph Hill and her brothers Tommy Lynch and Robert Lynch. Along with her family’s love and support, Barbara also received the special care of many staff members at Harmony-Westcott along with that of her Hospice team. Barbara was a cherished wife, mother and friend and will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to a memorial mass on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Saint John the Beloved Catholic Church, 28 Sumter Avenue, Summerville, and a reception immediately following at Madden Hall. Internment will be scheduled at a later date.

Barbara Ann Hill

July 11, 1935 - September 10, 2022