Eileen Hill, age 87, passed away January 29, 2010, in Houston, TX following a short illness. She and her late husband Ken Hill were former residents of Newport.

She was born February 25, 1922 in Waco, TX and during her lifetime worked in many jobs as secretary, bookkeeper, and clerk.

With Ken's work, she lived in many countries, such as Argentina, Sweden, Mexico, and Canada, as well as many states.

After moving to Cocke County, she and Ken became active in First United Methodist Church where they taught the Youth Sunday School class at one time, the Newport Lions Club, and the local Masonic order.

Eileen was also a member of the Northport Craft Club, First United Methodist Women, and the Newport Business Women's Club. She also assisted her husband in his work in the Masons and Lions Club.

According to friends, she enjoyed entertaining and "fixed a beautiful table.  She also loved decorating, crafting, reading, and being with people."

Stricken with polio in her youth, Eileen was also a cancer survivor. However, she never allowed these illnesses to handicap her in any way. Her friends remember her as "tough as pine! She was a true steel magnolia-tough as steel and soft as a magnolia!"

She is survived by a step-daughter Elaine Navarro and her family of New Jersey; one brother Bob Brown of Conroe, TX and one sister Margaret Redus of Houston, TX, several nieces and nephews, and her chosen Tennessee family, especially Cody Proffitt.

A memorial service was held on February 1, 2010, in Memorial Oaks Chapel with burial following in Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Shriners or to First United Methodist Church of Newport.