Virginia Eloise Hill Sidelinger

The lives of Virginia Eloise Hill and Wayne Elwin Sidelinger spanned nearly a century, intertwining to create a legacy of family, community, music, and shared passions. Their story begins in different corners of the country, brought together by fate and a shared commitment to building a life filled with joy and purpose.

Early Lives and Forming Years

Eloise Hill, youngest child of Millard and Zilphia Stancil Hill, was born on March 9, 1929, in O'Neals Township of Johnston County, North Carolina, delivered by a neighborhood woman, Aunt Topsey Richardson. Her birth came just seven months before the onset of the Great Depression, an era that shaped the resilience of her generation.

The granddaughter of Frederick "Fred" A. Hill and Tempy Ann Stancil Hill, Eloise grew up on the family farm, a place of abundant life with tobacco, corn, livestock, a large garden, and an orchard. She was the youngest of five children, with an older brother, Vernon "Jim" Fletcher Hill, and three older sisters: Mavis Cassandra, Hazel, and Beatrice LaRue. Her large extended family, including 13 aunts and uncles on her father's side, meant Eloise knew everyone. Her Aunt Nancy Lee Hill Callender and Uncle Bill affectionately nicknamed her "Wez." Eloise attended Mizpah Presbyterian Church and the Pentecostal Holiness church.

A natural musician, Eloise began her musical journey at just 7 years old when her father, Millard, bought a pedal organ. He taught her to play "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down," and she quickly learned to play by ear. Her sister Bea would often help by moving the pedals when the organ's own stopped working. By age 13, Eloise was playing at church services, mastering two keys. She started her education at Moore's School House and later graduated from Glendale High School.

Meanwhile, Wayne was born on Feb. 19, 1928, in Monson, Maine, to Claude Lyndon Sidelinger and Hazel Mahala Andrews. Growing up in a small but vibrant community, Wayne excelled in both summer and winter sports and was actively involved in civic and social clubs—a passion that would define much of his adult life. His father, Claude, was a teacher and later superintendent of schools in Monson. Wayne graduated from the century-old Monson Academy in 1945.

Military Service and A Fateful Meeting

Upon graduation from high school in 1945, at the age of 17, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Quantico, Virginia, where he was stationed in 1947 and 1948. After his honorable discharge in 1948, Wayne began working for Sherwin Williams Paint Company. It was during this period, while attending Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C., that he met Eloise Hill.

After graduating from Glendale High School, Eloise had accepted an invitation from her Aunt Nancy Lee Hill Callender—a stenographer in D.C.—to move to the city. Eloise also enrolled in Benjamin Franklin University. Her first job was as secretary to the National President of the American Automobile Association, where she rode the train to work, always impeccably dressed in gloves, hat, heels, and a nice dress. She later worked for Clarence Godber Burton, a U.S. Representative from Virginia.

Marriage and Building a Family

Eloise and Wayne began dating, and their connection deepened. Wayne, a corporal in the Marines, and Eloise married on September 30, 1950, at the Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Eloise wore a beautiful long white satin gown with a full-length train and a fancy tulle veil, borrowed from a dear friend. Her sister Mavis and Narvin Godwin drove up for the wedding.

Within days of their wedding, Wayne was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. He served there until his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1952.

In 1952, Eloise and Wayne made a pivotal decision to move to Wilson, North Carolina, settling close to Eloise’s family. The warmer climate and southern cooking also played a part in their choice. Their family quickly grew with the arrival of their four children: Michael Wayne, Steve Lee, Lyndon Earl, and Nancy Eloise.

Eloise's early career in music was notable; at 16, she was the vocalist for the Sunset Pals Band on WGTM in Wilson, N.C., a country band featured on Saturdays. She also had her own two Saturday shows, singing popular songs accompanied by a piano, and was part of the locally produced "Mustard and Gravy Radio Program." The musical director, Mr. Davis, taught her proper breathing techniques. She met nationally known singers like Eddie Arnold and Carl Parker during her time at WGTM. Eloise, an excellent dancer, even taught her brother-in-law Shine and Laverne’s husband, Donald Gray Murray, to dance.

Entrepreneurship and Shared Passions

In 1956, after her father's death, Eloise helped her mother and niece, Laverne, grade and tie tobacco for market, all while caring for her young sons, Steve, 4, and Michael, 1.

A significant chapter for the couple began in 1965 when Eloise and Wayne opened The Antique Barn in Wilson. Their son, Steve, a teenager at the time, also worked in the business. Wayne, who had honed his craft of restoring antique furniture in his home workshop, made frequent trips to Maine to purchase inventory. In 1980, they expanded their venture, opening The Antique Barn & Hobby Shop, selling trains of all scales, radio control cars, boats, planes, and helicopter models. They operated the business until its closing in 2018.

Wayne's lifelong love for trains led him to become a well-known railroad modeler. He was a founding member of the Wilson Area Railroad Modelers Club, which built and operated a large HO scale railroad layout above The Hobby Shop, drawing visitors from across the country. Eloise and Wayne frequently hosted annual picnics and cookouts for the club, their home often referred to as "The Bed and Breakfast on Windemere" due to their wonderful, welcoming hospitality.

Community Involvement and Lasting Bonds

Both Eloise and Wayne were deeply committed to their community. Wayne was a pillar of civic duty, a member of the Wilson Jaycees and the Wilson County Antique Dealers Association. He served as Scout Master of Troop 89 at Winstead United Methodist Church for many years. A Life Member of the Wilson Evening Optimist Club, Wayne held many leadership positions in the local and Carolina East District of Optimist International, raising funds for youth programs. Eloise, a Charter Member and Life Member of the Wilson-Golden Circle Optimist Club, founded in 1987, always supported Wayne in his community activities.

Eloise was instrumental in organizing the annual Glendale High School class reunion, starting in 1983. She formed the Glendale Reunion Committee and personally contacted classmates. She was also a wonderful, caring sister, frequently calling her sisters and cherishing their conversations. Eloise and her sister Bea enjoyed traveling, going on several trips with Laverne and Donald to places like Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland, and museums.

The couple cherished visits from family, especially their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews during the summers. Eloise would take them on guided tours to historical sites, family farms, and the Hill Family Cemetery, which she looked after throughout her life, and where her parents and other family members are buried. Eloise's appreciation of the past extended to meticulously recording her mother Zilphia's knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants, preserving details of how she used them for natural healing.

A Legacy of Joy and Warmth

Eloise's personality was marked by a beautiful, welcoming smile and an ability to make everyone feel special. She shared wonderful family memories and anecdotes, and her entertaining presence ensured that all gatherings were filled with laughter and funny stories. An "aura of sunshine" surrounded her, brightening the lives of those around her.

Eloise passed away on January 21, 2016, in Wilson, N.C., at the age of 86. A memorial service celebrating her life was held at Winstead United Methodist Church.

Wayne Elwin Sidelinger died at 95 on July 23, 2023, in Wilson, North Carolina, having lived a life rich in dedication to his family, business, and community.

Together, Eloise and Wayne created a life of shared endeavors, warm hospitality, and enduring love, leaving an indelible mark on their family and the Wilson community.