Elma Odean (Harp) Hill

Elma Odean “Harp” Hill 91 of Sallisaw, passed away on September 5th 2020 in Vian, Oklahoma where she resided for the past year at Vian Nursing and Rehab. She was born June 24,1929 to James Arthur Harp and Mary Elizabeth ‘Davis’ Harp in Kusa Oklahoma. Elma grew up in Vian Oklahoma and was one of six children. Elma was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was an extremely gifted songwriter and musician.She was also our family historian and loved doing our family genealogy. Elma married Silas “Sam” Aaron Hill on March 1st 1949 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and they had 3 children Silas “Sammy” Aaron Jr, Janet Kay, and Ernest Dean. Silas Sr worked for Boeing and they lived in Wichita, Kansas where all 3 of their children were born before moving back to Oklahoma. Elma worked as a laborer for Holley Carburetor/BorgWarner in Sallisaw for over 25 years until she retired. She loved playing music and visiting with relatives and friends from the congregation as well as anyone who would stop and listen.

She was preceded in death by her former husband Silas Hill Sr. and her son Silas “Sammy” Hill Jr, and daughter Janet Kay Lewis.  She was also preceded in death by both parents and all five siblings, Brothers Zach Odell, Arthur Travis, Chester Randolph, and Sisters Doris Leala, Mary Ima Lavern.

She is survived by her son Ernest Hill and wife Patti of Rudy Arkansas. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren  Jeffery Hill of Wichita, KS , Sean Hill of Sallisaw, OK,  Corey Lewis of Bunch, OK,  Angie Gehrke of Fort Smith, AR, ,  Christy Jobe of Bentonville, AR,  Matthew Hill of Oklahoma City, OK,  Keith Cornett of Fayetteville, AR,  and Hannah Dwyer of Washington State. She has 11 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and several step great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. She also has several nephews and nieces although she loved them all she did have her favorite nephew Roger Morris who always made time to check on her regularly and do chores if she needed something done. She will be missed by all.

Due to the current pandemic, there will be no service/memorial or visitation at this time. In lieu of flowers a donation to Jehovah’s Witnesses can be made at:   https://donate.jw.org/ui/E/donate-home.html#/donate