The Life and Legacy of

FANNIE HILLMAN was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with adventure, hard work, and dedication to her family and community. Born in the coal mining town of Norton, Virginia, she was always an energetic go-getter, playing basketball, cheerleading, and editing the school annual. After graduating Norton High School with a class of 28 Fannie enrolled at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, where she joined the Kappa Delta sorority. She later transferred to the Medical College of Virginia to be with her future husband, Dr. Mark Hillman, who was pursuing his dental degree. Fannie completed her BS degree in medical technology at the college, and the couple tied the knot in 1956. Soon after, they relocated to Germany, where Dr. Hillman fulfilled two years of military service.

The Hillmans welcomed their first son, Mark Scott Hillman, in May 1958 in Nuremberg, Germany. Later that year the couple returned to the states and discovered Winter Park. Dr. Hillman was licensed to practice dentistry in Florida, and in Winter Park he assumed the responsibilities of Dr. Wilbur Jennings, owner of the historic Capen House, while Dr. Jennings recovered from an eye procedure. To welcome the new arrivals to Winter Park, the Jennings hosted a cocktail party at the Capen House, where Dr. Hillman and Fannie were intro- duced to local residents. In October of 1959 they welcomed another son, David Hillman, followed by a daughter, Mary Hillman, in 1961.

In 1969, Fannie’s life faced a major challenge when a divorce left her to raise three children on her own. She embarked on a journey to discover her true calling, and she began her first job as a medical technician at what is now Orlando Health. However, this job proved to be short-lived given that, as her son Scott recalled, “she had a tendency to faint at the sight of blood.”. She then taught biology at Winter Park high school, but as Fannie later told others, she “Hated it. Hated it. Hated it.” After two years of teaching at Winter Park

High School she studied at night to obtain her Real Estate license in the Summer of 1972, a move that proved to be her true calling.

Fannie soon became a shining example of what it means to pursue your dreams and to never give up, no matter what obstacles may present themselves. She started her real estate career at Don Saunders, where was grateful for all he taught her. Fannie’s perseverance paid off and from 1973 to 1980 she was Don’s top producer. After 8 years in real estate she knew she wanted a change to run her own business, and in 1981, Fannie Hillman and Associates was born, becoming one of the first woman-owned businesses in Winter Park.

Fannie developed a supportive, fun culture that emphasized the importance of pursuing one’s passions, helping others, and doing what brings you joy. In an interview with Orlando Magazine in 2006, she said, “For me, the lesson has been to do what you enjoy doing. Pursue your dream. I feel so sorry for people who are working at a job that they just aren’t happy with.” Fannie also expressed surprise at the success of her real estate business, stating, “I thought it was going to be me and maybe two or three others. I never thought it was going to turn out like this, with over 50 associates.”

Fannie was a true Winter Park legend, well known for her generosity and unshakeable spirit. She built a successful real estate business that truly was a family affair, with son Scott Hillman, Fannie Hillman and Associates president, joining the company in

1982, and grandson Sam Hillman, vice president of the company, joining in 2014. Sam claimed that Fannie “loved selling” and was motivated by a spirit of competition. He recalled that she remained deeply committed to the success of the company even after her retirement, noting, “She was after it all the time.”

But Fannie was more than just a successful businesswoman, she loved Winter Park and serving the community. She saw the potential for growth and prosperity in her beloved town long before others did and never missed an opportunity to remind her children that Winter Park is “such a special little town.”

Fannie also had a passion for travel and made it a point to explore the world with her children and grandchildren. She firmly believed it was important for them to see and experience the beauty and diversity of other cultures and regions. Along with traveling, she enjoyed entertaining, collecting recipes, and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Fannie was a champion for the community, working tirelessly to promote its beauty, its history, and its potential. Her efforts paved the way for new generations of visitors and future residents to discover and fall in love with Winter Park.