Rosa (Bennett) Hill

Rosa B. Hill was born in Dade City, Florida on May 14, 1948.  She was the daughter of Blossie Lee Bennett Massop.  Rosa accepted Christ at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. In her adult life she joined New Bethel AME Church where she served on numerous boards and held many offices including Usher Board, Choir, Kitchen Aide, Pulpit Aide, Women’s Missionary, Church School aka Bible Discovery Hour, Steward, and served as an area/district officer in Laymen & Women’s Missionary Society for the Orlando district.   She often traveled with other members to conferences or district events and supported fundraising efforts for church and community endeavors. She recently served as forerunner supporter for I “ love” NBL campaign to kickoff a grand finale fundraising for the sanctuary at New Bethel Lacoochee, until God called her to eternal rest on February 26, 2020.  Rosa was a graduate of Mickens High School, Class of 1966, and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Bethune Cookman College in 1970. Rosa later received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Tampa.  In 1975, Rosa began her teaching career at Dover Elementary School in Plant City, Florida and furthered her career with Pasco County School District for 35 years, until her retirement.  After retirement, she continued her services within the community (Dade City, Trilby, Lacoochee and surrounding areas) as an active member of various clubs/organizations; Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc., where she served as a faithful member and former Recording Secretary.  She also served the Moore Academy-Mickens High School Alumni Association, serving on the Public Relations Committee.  Rosa was also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of which she served as an  Executive Board At Large Member.  Rosa's love for helping and sharing her knowledge afforded her the opportunity to tutor students at Moore-Mickens Middle School, Pasco Middle School and James Irvin Education Center in math.  Rosa cherished the moments of doing for others; specializing in crafting which consisted of creating personalized fans, bookmarks and creator of various projects for the community and churches. In addition, Rosa was known for cooking and baking her FAMOUS Bread Pudding Cupcakes. She was “Loving and Giving” which is the true gift of inheritance from her mother, Blossie and grandfather, Luther “Biggie” Bennett Sr.   Rosa unites with her mother, Blossie Massop; bothers, Leon Bennett Sr. and  Phillip Bennett; sister; Fannie L.Sims; niece, Kimberly Sims; and great nephew, Thaddeus Lisbon.  Rosa leaves to cherish fond memories: a loving and devoted husband of 50 years, Joseph Hill of Trilby, Florida; son; Tracy Hill (Sandman – “The Love of Her Life”) of Silver Spring, Maryland; step-father, Charles Massop of Trilby, Florida, three god daughters, Constance Starks of Dade City, Florida, Jace Day of Zephyrhills, Florida and Kennedy Langley of Dade City, Florida; uncle, Morgan Evans (Skip) of Montgomery, Alabama; two brothers, Charles Fiddler of Zephyrhills, Florida and John Fiddler of Kansas City, Missouri; three sisters, Laura Mathis (Reverend Henry Mathis) of Brooksville, Florida, Carol Fiddler of Poinciana, Florida and Hope Pope of Saint Cloud, Florida; a loving brother-in-law, Nelson Hill (Lorene Hill) of Daytona Beach, Florida; a sister-in-law, Geneva Hill of Trilby, Florida; and  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special colleagues, students, extended family and sorrowing friends who will miss her dearly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosa (Bennett) Hill, please visit our floral store.