Marian Holly Hill

Marian Holly Hill, 58, of North Little Rock, died on January 21, 2021. She was born on August 4, 1962, to William C. and Marian Hill in Little Rock. Holly was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two brothers, Tom Hill (Debbie) of Little Rock, Robert Hill (Heidi) of Midland Park, N.J., and a sister, Kelly Cooper (Jack) of Los Angeles and North Little Rock. Her nieces and nephew included, Sarah Bruner (Kyle), Anna Hill, Elizabeth Hill, Mary Claire Hill, Paulina Hill, Robert Hill, and Katy Cooper. Holly was particularly fond of her nieces and nephew, sharing many laughs with them after the famous "Holly push." Holly was born with Down Syndrome. Her mother and father loved her dearly and were determined Holly would be as important (maybe more?) as her siblings to the family. Holly had a happy, loving disposition. She loved to sing along to Amen!, I've Been Working on the Railroad, You Are My Sunshine, and a host of other songs. She particularly liked to sing "Someone's in the kitchen with Holly, someone's in the kitchen I know-oh-oh-oh…" She was a happy soul and brought a special joy to those around her. Holly lived at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center for many years. Her home there provided safety, caring, medical care, and a beautiful wooded setting where she could walk around (although somewhat precariously!) and attend classes. The staff loved Holly dearly, and recognized her special sparkle; they treated her as "family," always helping her to grow and develop her abilities. We cannot thank them enough. Our deep appreciation goes to Kerry Gambill, Superintendent, and all the staff there. Holly's mother, Marian, was an active advocate in Arkansas as well as Washington, DC, for the developmentally disabled over decades. Part of Holly's legacy which continues to this day is the enduring work done on her behalf by her mother and others. Finally, Holly taught her siblings much. They learned how valuable Holly was to their family as an image-bearer of God. She had worth beyond what she might accomplish by helping them learn to accept, love, and serve one who wasn't able to do for herself. They watched their parents include Holly in family activities, going to special holiday meals in very nice settings, and in their church life. Holly and her mom started a class, The Miracle Helpers, at the First United Methodist Church, NLR, for the developmentally disabled, and hosted swim parties and birthday parties for her peers. There was often a special friend invited to join the family for Christmas or Easter meals along with Holly. Yes, her siblings and their children saw love in action in serving, loving, and accepting Holly and those who have more difficult challenges than themselves. Holly will be greatly missed by her brothers, sister and large extended family. To our joy, Holly ran, danced, and sang her way into God's presence on January 21st. Memorials may be made to the Arkadelphia Human Development Center Parent's Association, 1 Prator Dr., Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923. Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 29, 2021, at Bellwood Memorial Park, Pine Bluff, Ark. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering. Please share your memories of Holly at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.