Annie Bell Hill, 1984

Mrs. Hill was born down south in 1901. She lived with her daughter and grandchildren in Champaign. In addition to raising her family, she has always liked to fish. She had a strong sense of humor and deeply appreciated the loveliness around her, especially in small things. One of her favorite expressions was "Ain't that pretty!" She noticed the flowers and trees in the yard at day care, the pictures on the walls, the colors and patterns of clothes, a new vase on the table, and so forth. As she was growing up Mrs. Hill did not have an opportunity to be educated, but in the 1970s and 1980s learned to read and print her name. She said in 1984 that, "Getting old is what folks are supposed to do, but being sick ain't good."

Source: Raymond Bial, There is a Season, Champaign County Nursing Home, 1984.