Cerita Rosaetta Hill, received the Master's call on August 6, 2025. She was born on September 27, 1945 in Newport News, VA. Cerita was the third child born to the late Richard Perry, Sr and Helen Perry Batten. In addition to her late parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Herman Hill. Also preceding her in death were two of her siblings, brother Richard Perry, Jr. and sister Delores Wazeerud-Din.

Cerita was favorably called Rita by family and friends. She was the family's matriarch. Rita was an extremely caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. In June 1981, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Herman Hill.

Rita loved being around family and friends.  She enjoyed playing many card games and was usually the winner. Being in the kitchen was one of her favorite places. Yet being on the outside was enjoyable as well. Rita stayed busy and on the go. Her illness didn't stop her or slow her down. She kept on praying and pushing for as long as the body and God allowed.

Cerita attended both elementary school and Huntington High School in Newport News Public Schools. She was initially a resident of Newport News and later moved to Hampton. Rita worked as a dietician at Dixie Hospital/Hampton General Hospital for numerous years before it moved and was later renamed Sentara Careplex. Upon leaving there, she worked part-time for the City of Hampton, Healthy Families, as a nutritionist.

Cerita looked forward to going to church. Little Zion Baptist Church was her home away from home. She joined LZBC in October 1981; which is now under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Myron Sutherlin, Pastor. Cerita was an active member of the Deaconess Ministry, Gleaner's Ministry, the Pastor's Aid Committee, and the Women's Ministry; all of which she maintained until her illness. Rita was also a former member of the Souls of Heaven Praise Team Ministry. Her praises were from her heart.

Cerita leaves precious, everlasting memories to her four children, Lolita Battle (Pernell) of Waterboro, SC; Sonya Brown-Armstead (Harrison) of Suffolk, VA; Gary Hill (Erica) of East Point, GA; and Isaac Hill (Shalesha) of Austin, Texas. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  Rita also leaves heartfelt memories with her three siblings, Charles Batten (Sheila), Valerie Batten Banks, and Lilton Batten; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will remember her forever.

Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the funeral home and she will lie in state from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Little Zion Baptist Church, 1824 W. Queen Street –Hampton, VA.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.