Obituary of Estelle Elizabeth Jacobs

Ms. Estelle Elizabeth Jacobs, lovingly called "Sitty" by family and friends, was born on Tuesday, the 15th day of July 1924, and peacefully surrendered her spirit to our Lord and Savior on Resurrection Sunday on the 9th day of April 2023. At age 98, she leaves all of us with loving memories. Estelle was born in Union, South Carolina. Her parents, the late Reverend James Monroe Hill and Annie Bell (Cunningham) Hill sought to raise a strong Christian family in Union, South Carolina. Although James preceded Annie in death, she and her children moved to Baltimore for a better life during the "Great Migration." She received her academic education in Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated with extreme pride from Frederick Douglass High School in 1944. Estelle's call of duty and patriotism during World War II led her to build airplanes for the war effort at Glenn L. Martin, now Lockheed Martin. She worked as a "Lady Riveter" until the end of the War in 1945. Ironically, she was afraid to fly in an airplane. Aesthetically beautiful and charming, with a wonderful smile that could light up a room, she had a flair for modeling. After the War, she joined Charm City Modeling Agency. She earned ten dollars per show to model high-end designs in prestigious Black women-owned clothing stores. Estelle also had an artistic side to her life and loved to paint. Who Knew? Always resourceful, she took an accounting/bookkeeper position at historic Provident Hospital's Division Street location from 1948 until 1954. There she accepted medical payments and helped patients make financial arrangements with the hospital. In Mid-1950, she was hired as the School Secretary at William S. Baer School, serving children with Disabilities and Special Needs. Thus she began her career in Baltimore City Public Schools System. Estelle met and married Albert E. Jacobs in 1957. Although their marriage was brief, she shared fond memories of this cherished life event. Finding her niche in Administration at Baltimore City's Public Schools, she enjoyed a rewarding career as School Secretary at Hilton Middle School # 21 and Winston Middle School. After thirty years of service in the Baltimore City School System, she retired. Estelle's family was always the center of her life. She was devoted to her mother, Annie, and lived with her until she died in 1990. She loved her sister, Mamie, and her brothers. She treasured her family and offered advice, encouragement, wisdom, and comfort to her nieces and nephews, even if they did want to hear it. Although she did not bear a child, she helped raise her nephew Bengie, Mamie's boy, as his surrogate mother. Estelle loved her nieces and nephews, but she and Bengie had a special relationship. She has left an indelible mark on his life. After the death of his mother, Estelle looked out for him and his children, too, like a grandma. Towards the end, the tender loving care of her brother, Dennis, Corliss, Ben, and caregivers, allowed her to embrace every moment. In September 2020, while at Sinai Hospital, the doctors said she had less than a month to live. She was offered home hospice and lived with Corliss and Ben for nearly three years. She celebrated three more birthdays and three more Christmases. On Easter Sunday, she joined her parents, her sister, Mamie, and her brothers, Shane and Albert, in the breast of God's love. Estelle (Sitty) is preceded in death by her parents, Reverend James Monroe Hill and Annie Bell Hill, her sister, Mamie, and older brothers, Albert and Shane. Estelle leaves to cherish her memory: three of her brothers, Bennie Hill (Dorothy), Fred A. Hill Sr., and Dennis Hill (Linda). Her beloved nephew and caregiver Benfred Alston (Corliss), six nieces Leisa Hill, Sheila Hill, Karen Hill (Tony), Adrienne Cooper (Eric), Tracey Soden (Rodney), and Nicole Johnson. Seven Nephews Lamont Hill (Kyoka), Fred Hill Jr. (Doris), Eric Hill, Sr. (Jewel), James A. Hill, Jr., Michael Hill (Donna), Brian Hill (Kim), and Corey Hill (Stephanie). Her surrogate grandson Benjamin (Scooter) Alston, a host of "Cunningham" first and second cousins, great nieces, and nephews. Estelle's family will be forever grateful for her devoted caregivers, Terri Criag and Claniesha Fauntleroy. A viewing will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133. On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, a homegoing celebration for Ms. Estelle Jacobs will be held at the Vaughn Greene Chapel at Randallstown, 8728 Liberty Road, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with services to follow. The interment service will be held at Maryland National Memorial immediately following the homegoing service.