Birth Date: 07/27/1930
Deceased Date: 10/15/2021
Jan Penny Hill, of Smithfield, passed away on Friday, October 15 at the age of 91. The family will receive visitors in the backyard of her home at 3188 Stevens Sausage Rd, Smithfield, from 4-7pm on Monday, October 18.
Jan was the first-born child of the late Gardner and Esther Penny, born on July 27, 1930. Jan married Keith Hill in 1950, and they lived in Smithfield for their entire lives. Jan embarked on many business endeavors as a young woman. She completed real estate school as well as cosmetology school, and she owned and operated her own beauty salon for many years. Jan and Keith were immersed in agriculture throughout their marriage and Jan was the driving force behind “Jan’s Strawberries” and “Hill’s Peach & Berry Farm” for over 20 years.
Jan truly enjoyed conversing with friends; she was extremely personable and had never met a stranger. She was a member of Sanders Chapel United Methodist Church and loved her church family. Jan was known as a classy lady, who even in her 90’s never left home before she was fully dressed with her blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick. She loved her family and was the ultimate girl mom. Her connection with her girls was unprecedented and they will always carry her spirit and all of the many life lessons she taught them.
Jan was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, William Keith Hill. She is survived by her daughters, Angela Whitfield and husband Richard, and Melody Winters; granddaughters, Brooke Whitfield, and Caroline Boyette and husband Mitch; great-granddaughter Emma Gray Boyette; brother Danny Penny and wife Larue, along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to: Sanders Chapel United Methodist Women located at 4484 Brogden Rd, Smithfield NC, 27577.
Loved visiting Jan’s Strawberries through the years. She was a great lady. She leaves her legacy with her family especially Angela. So sorry to her of her death. Much sympathy to her family. VickyTemple-Rains.
Jan welcomed us to Johnston County almost 40 years ago when we met. She definitely was a classy lady and will certainly be missed by all who knew her and never forgotten. Condolences to her family and many friends. Rest in peace sweet lady.