Dr. Edna Woods Hill was born January 22, 1941 in Atlanta, Ga in the Bush Street community to the late Robert and Peasia Savannah Woods. She was the seventh of twelve children born to this union: seven boys and five girls. Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan Napoleon; her parents, Robert and Peasia Woods and her siblings Otis, Charles, Calvin, Robert, Walter, Karl, Anthony, Alberta, Jacqueline and Marion.
She attended Gray Street Elementary School, Booker T. Washington High and graduated from Samuel H. Archer High School where she was the Senior Class President and earned the “I Dare You Award” and numerous other public speaking awards for her outstanding oratorical skills. She completed her post-secondary studies at Morris Brown College with a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She continued her studies at Georgia State University earning a Master’s degree in Administration & Supervision. She later earned a Doctorate degree in Christian Education.
Edna began her career in education with the Atlanta Public School System as an English teacher, foreign language teacher and Department Chairperson with the Atlanta Public School System at H. M. Turner High and Frederick Douglass High Schools respectively. In addition, Edna and Nathan teamed up and successfully finished The Atlanta Real Estate School. This dynamic duo bought and sold numerous properties in and around the Atlanta area for many decades.
Edna devoted her life to the ministry. In 1976, she was led by God to start a church in her home. A year later, she founded Philadelphia Independent Church of God in Christ in East Point, GA, where she faithfully served as Senior Pastor 1977 - 2026. She dedicated her life wholeheartedly to serving the saints of God, ministering with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Her church family was deeply cherished and held a special place in her heart, and she loved them dearly as her own family. Her faithful service and compassionate spirit will forever be remembered by all who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, service and faith.
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, she transitioned from this life to her Heavenly home. She leaves to love and cherish her memory; a son, Nathan N. Hill, Jr. (Mary Francis); daughter, Cheryl Yvette Royal (Seabrook); daughter, Melissa M. Watkins (Milton); five grandchildren: Nathan Stoney Hill (Kristina), Brian Koby Hill, Caleb Monteque Purnell, Christopher Brown, and O’Brien Divon Watkins; greatgrandson, Grayson Dallas Stoney Hill; sister, Carlene Woods; sister-in-law, Mary Hill; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family
The Prelude
The Processional Clergy, Family & Friends
The Hymn
The Invocation Dr. Marlon Favors
The Selection The Choir
The Old Testament Pastor Priscilla Gates
The New Testament Pastor Saralyn Lamar
The Solo Karon Jackson
Reflections of Life (Two Minutes, Please) Pastor’s Children & Grandchildren
Bobby Howell
Jamil Williams
Min. Mae Bell LeGrand
Min. Linda Brown Family & Friends
The Obituary Read Silently
The Selection The Choir
The Eulogy Senior Elder, Nathan N. Hill, Jr.
Reflections/The Call to Salvation Elder Antione Griffin
The Acknowledgement Sabrina Williams
The Recessional
The Postlude
Our beloved mother was the heart of our family a woman of unwavering faith, strength, grace, and unconditional love. She devoted her life to caring for others, always putting others first and offering comfort, wisdom, and encouragement to everyone blessed to know her. Her kindness touched countless lives, and her gentle spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
She taught us the meaning of compassion, perseverance, dignity, and love through the way she lived each day. Whether through her warm smile, her prayers, her comforting words, or the many sacrifices she made for those she loved, she leaves behind a legacy that can never be forgotten.
We are grateful for the beautiful memories, lessons, and love she shared with us throughout her life. Heaven has gained a precious angel, and we find peace in knowing that her love will continue to guide us always.
Mom, thank you for everything. Your love was a gift beyond measure, and you will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens
5755 Mallory Road
College Park, Georgia 30349
Repast
Fellowship Hall, Philadelphia I.C.O.G.I.C.
1751 Old Jonesboro Road
Fairburn, Georgia 30213
Flower Bearers
The Mothers’ Board of Philadelphia I.C.O.G.I.C.
Pallbearers
The Grandsons & Sons-in-law
Acknowledgements
The family gratefully acknowledges with love, thanks, gratitude and deep appreciation your expressions and acts of kindness, love, care and concern. With God’s love and guidance, we receive the strength to make this a joyous celebration. May our savior richly bless you.
The Family
Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30310
404-758-1731
www.williewatkins.com