In Memoriam: Dr. Golden Bethune-Hill

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Dr. Golden Bethune-Hill had a profound reverence for God's Word. She was a luminary whose strength, compassion, and vision not only elevated our community but also touched the hearts of each and every one of us. Her earthly sojourn culminated on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Dr. Bethune-Hill's legacy as a trailblazer, advocate, and pioneer in healthcare and social justice shall forever stir our souls. She was the daughter of Watson and Dorothy McDaniel of Newport News, Virginia. She was a graduate of G.W. Carver High School in Newport News, Virginia. In addition Dr. Bethune-Hill earned a B.S. in Nursing from North Carolina A&T State University, and a M.S. in Nursing Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Nurtured in Greensboro, North Carolina and Newport News, Virginia, Dr. Bethune-Hill dedicated her life to the noble causes of service and equity. Her profound impact resonates deeply within the hearts of all whom she touched. As the inaugural African-American Director of Nursing and Executive Vice President at Riverside Hospital, she not only dismantled barriers but also charted pathways for generations to follow. Beyond the walls of the hospital, she embraced the marginalized, co-founding the Newport News Community Free Clinic in 2010 now called the Charlie W. and Golden Bethune-Hill Community Health Clinic. This altruistic endeavor oriented access to essential healthcare services for the underserved.

Dr. Bethune-Hill's influence transcended the realms of healthcare. Her pivotal role in court cases including the Bethune-Hill v. Virginia State Board of Elections case epitomized her steadfast dedication to fair access to voting. Through tireless advocacy, she fought the injustice of racial gerrymandering, stitching her name in the tapestry of civil rights history.

In addition to her professional accolades, Dr. Bethune-Hill stood as a steadfast pillar within our community, assuming leadership roles in esteemed organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.

She served as the President of a Delta Sigma Theta chapter in New Jersey. A champion of education, cultural enrichment, and health awareness, she was able to change countless lives for the better.

She also established the Dorothy McDaniel scholarship at Hampton University in honor of her mother for students in single-parent homes. At Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, she served as both a Deacon and Elder and was a member of the Alice Rollins Circle. Dr. Bethune-Hill's legacy of service, leadership and the causes she championed have been acknowledged by area organizations. In 2010, she was awarded the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Award and in 2021, the UNCF Mask Award. In 2022, Providence Bible College Theological Seminary granted Dr. Bethune-Hill an honorary doctorate in recognition of her activism, community service, and Christian leadership.

The family humbly requests donations to the Riverside Foundation, designated for the Charlie W. and Golden Bethune-Hill Community Health Clinic of Newport News, Virginia, and the Golden Bethune-Hill Leadership Endowment at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, School of Nursing.

As we mourn the departure of this extraordinary woman, let us also celebrate her life, her legacy, and the countless lives she enriched along her journey. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Golden Bethune-Hill's luminous spirit, which shall eternally guide us toward a horizon adorned with equity, compassion, and justice for all.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years, Dr. Charlie W. Hill; her daughters Rahcyne Omatete (Jolomi), of Silver Spring, Maryland, Caroline Hill (Michelle) of the District of Columbia, Charlene Fadirepo (Rinde), of the District of Columbia, and Verna Lamb (Ted) of Lynchburg, Virginia; her sister, Gladys Clarke (Curtis) of Hampton, Virginia, her brother Stanley McDaniel (Lynn) of Atlanta, Georgia, her sister Barbara McDaniel of Long Beach, California, and her five cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Ayo, Ayiri, Eyonju, Sade, a niece Jacqueline Sanders (Torrin) of Woodbridge, Virginia, and her grandnephew Pharez. She will also be missed by family members in the Bahamas, Lorna Bethune, Kim Handfield, Patrice Russell, Rameesh Bethune, and Evan Cooper. She was preceded in death by Vernon Bethune of Jamaica, West Indies. Dr. Golden Bethune-Hill's passing leaves a profound void in the extended Bethune, Garner, McDaniel, Rowlett, and Hill families and in the hearts of those in the Hampton Roads community.

May we honor her memory by perpetuating her noble work and embodying her legacy of service and compassion.

The family would like to express its gratitude for the cards, phone calls, visits, and the outpouring of love that we experienced during this difficult time.

Our family is grateful for your overwhelming acts of kindness, support, prayers, and sympathy during our time of bereavement.

It is the family's desire that you honor the life of Dr. Golden Bethune-Hill by giving. Please consider giving to the following charities:

Riverside Foundation, Charlie W. and Golden Bethune-Hill Community Health Clinic

701 Town Center Drive Suite 1000

Newport News, Va 23606

757-234-8740

Golden Bethune-Hill Leadership Endowment at NCA&T, School of Nursing

North Carolina A&T State University School of Nursing, Noble Hall

1601 East Market Street

Greensboro, NC 27411

336-334-7750

Dorothy McDaniel Scholarship

Hampton University

100 E Queen Street

Hampton, Va 23669

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Golden Bethune Hill

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, 3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton, VA  23666.  Viewing will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the funeral home, followed by the Omega Omega Service by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at 5:30 p.m.  On Friday, May 10, 2024 viewing will begin at 9 a.m. at the church, followed by a memorial service by the Links, Incorporated at 10 a.m.  Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.