Birth Date: 12/01/1944
Deceased Date: 08/17/2023
Sara Nell Hill Stancil, 78, died from a rare rhabdomyosarcoma on August 17th, 2023. A native of Smithfield NC, she was the daughter of Millard Braxton Hill and Nellie Stephenson Hill of Buffalo Road.
She was predeceased by her husband Leonard (Donnie) Stancil in 2014. All who knew them knew of
their love and devotion for each other. She was also predeceased by a brother, Bobby T. Hill.
Sara Nell enjoyed living her life as a NC girl in Smithfield, Greenville and Kitty Hawk before moving to Raleigh to be near her children and grandchildren. She often said family is everything.
She is survived by daughter Renee DeLoach Ward of Raleigh and son Joseph B. DeLoach III (Valerie) of Wendell; grandchildren Joseph Ward (Devin), Chandler Ward, Anderson Ward, Will DeLoach, Hattie DeLoach, Warren Ramsey, and Crawford Ramsey; brother Larry B. Hill of Smithfield; and many special nieces and nephews.
Sara Nell loved reading, art, music and nature. She was known for sharing her beautiful roses and caring for Eastern bluebirds. She participated in growing and testing coastal dune grasses in Kitty Hawk and thought looking at the ocean’s majesty could change your life.
She was a good Southern cook, kept a spotless house, and laughed about being known for her color coordinated closet. Professionally, she most enjoyed serving as the Executive Officer of the Greenville/Pitt County Home Builders Association where she excelled at the state and national levels before her retirement.
A celebration of life will be held at Parrish Funeral Home, 1351 S. Pollock St. in Selma, on Saturday, August 26th, at 2 pm. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.
Flowers are welcomed, or memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 202 S. Fourth St. in Smithfield.
Online condolences may be shared at www.parrishfh.com.
