News Summary
Pearl Olena Williams Hilley, a cherished beauty adviser and civic leader in Philadelphia, passed away at the age of 95. Known for her commitment to inclusivity and community service, Hilley’s legacy includes her work with the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy. Her family and community remember her as a beacon of positivity and moral values.
Philadelphia Mourns the Loss of Beloved Civic Leader and Beauty Adviser Pearl Hilley
Philadelphia, PA – Pearl Olena Williams Hilley, a revered beauty adviser and civic leader, passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday, May 17, due to age-associated decline at the Kearsley Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Hilley’s multifaceted career and commitment to her community made her a cherished figure in the lives of many.
Born on July 23, 1929, in Greenwood, South Carolina, Hilley moved to Philadelphia at the age of 10. After graduating from Kensington High School in 1947, she began a long and successful career in the beauty industry, spending 25 years as a beauty adviser at Gimbels. During her tenure, she specialized in Fashion Fair Cosmetics, a brand that focuses on beauty products for darker skin tones, demonstrating her dedication to inclusivity in beauty.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Beyond her work in beauty, Hilley was deeply involved in her church and civic engagement. She served as a delegate for the Progressive National Baptist Convention and held several significant positions within the Baptist church, including president of the Eastern Region of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention and deaconess at Holy Cross Baptist Church. Hilley’s leadership extended into her neighborhood, where she served as a committee person and as the second vice chair of the executive committee for Philadelphia’s Third Ward. She was also a dedicated volunteer with the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy, contributing her time and expertise to enhance literacy within the community.
As a civic leader, Hilley participated in the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women, where she co-chaired the protocol committee and actively supported female candidates seeking public office. Her unwavering dedication to community service and advocacy for human dignity made her a respected figure among her peers.
Family and Personal Life
Hilley’s family described her as a sweet person who was a “light in the room,” imparting positivity and kindness to everyone she met. Her celebration of life, held on May 30, paid tribute to her compassionate nature and the profound impact she had on her community and loved ones. Hilley had a deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed recreational activities, watching the Philadelphia Eagles, and golfing on TV, particularly enjoying the talent of Tiger Woods.
Throughout her life, she emphasized core values of love, education, honesty, and sportsmanship, advising her family to “Love yourself. Love your neighbor. Love God.” These principles guided her actions and interactions, creating a legacy of positivity rooted in strong moral values.
Legacy and Remembrance
Hilley is survived by her son, granddaughter, great-grandchildren, siblings, and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her husband as well as several family members. Her family and the community at large are left to cherish her memory and the values she embodied throughout her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Holy Cross Baptist Church in Philadelphia, honoring her contributions to the church and the community she served faithfully.
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Additional Resources
- Inquirer: Pearl Hilley Obituary
- Philly Tribune: Pearl O. Hilley Obituary
- Inquirer: Nazaarah Sabree DN Singles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civic Leadership
- Google Search: Pearl Hilley
Author: HERE Greenwood
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