" Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry, While on others Thou art calling, Do not Pass me by. " These words had special meaning for Wanda Vardrene Lucas Hill who departed this life on early Friday morning, October 17, 2008. A woman of strong faith and understanding. Wanda was the daughter of James Arthur Lucas and Lula Smith Lucas. She was born in Santuc, SC on September 15, 1926.

With a thirst for knowledge, Wanda was educated in the Winston-Salem, NC Public School system and graduated from Atkins High School. After high school, she attended Winston-Salem Teachers College (WSSU) where she met many friends whom she enjoyed throughout her life.

Wanda knew how to enjoy living ! She was faithful WSSU Ram who was a member of the Brown Alumni Chapter until her health began to fail. Her membership in the Women's Service Council of First Baptist Church has been a source of inspiration throughout her illness. She belonged to several social groups and had a special attachment to the combined Atkins High School reunion group. Over the course of her lifetime and through it all, she found time to work and retired from Family Services, after which she began working with a senior program sponsored by the Urban League.

Softly and tenderly, Wanda fought a good fight . She kept the faith. As she reflected on her life, she included her attendance at Wednesday evening Bible study at her church as a regarding experience that kept her well grounded. As Wanda stood on the promises, her final act of concern was to cast an absentee ballot for Barack Obama .

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Leander "Toot" Hill; a son, Clifton Charles Hill "Lil Clif"; three siblings, Ada Lugenia "Vene" Lucas, Roger "Jake" Lucas, and Clifton "Clif" Lucas.

She is survived by a devoted daughter, Vernal Hill Branch (Calvin) and a devoted son, Leander Cosmo Hill; a devoted sister and brother-in-law, Mildred Lucas Patterson (James); a brother, James "Jack" Lucas; a devoted daughter-in-law, Beverly Hill; grandchildren Calvin S. Branch (Michele), Christopher Branch (Leticia), Colin Branch (April), Leandria Hill, April Hill, Camille Hill, Aaron Ingram, Antwoine Ingram and Keisha; great-grandchildren, Davon Hill, Damari Hill, Destiny Hill, Marques Branch, Aaron Branch, Sage Branch and Kendrick Branch; a host of nephews and nieces, Gregory Lucas, Wanda Lucas "Lil Wanda", James H. Patterson, Third, Roger L. Patterson, Jamilia L. Lucas, William K. Hill, Marie Roseboro, Louise Hill, Talmadge Hill, Clarence Hill, Betsy Lucas, Ronnie Hunter and Pamela Flowers; many cousins, lifelong friends, co-workers, and extended family.

As the day is done and the Comforter has come , Wanda will be remembered in a loving way by family and friends at 12 Noon Thursday, October 23, 2008 at First Baptist Church (East), 700 Highland Ave. with the Rev. Darryl Aaron officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 11:30 am until 12 Noon Thursday at the church.

"The family would like to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for their dedicated care.'