Lela “Marie” Goodwin Hill

Lela “Marie” Goodwin Hill, 93, of Atlantic, North Carolina, passed away on September 23, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A graveside service to honor Marie’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, October 17th at Cedar Island Community Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Eddie Hill.

Marie was born on September 30, 1931, on Cedar Island, NC, to the late Robert Clinton and Madeline Daniels Goodwin. Her family moved to Atlantic when she was a young girl. Marie was one of 13 students who graduated from Atlantic High School in 1949, where she was voted “Best Dressed” and “Best Looking.” She said she “did her courting with Neil Hill on the back of his motorcycle,” and they married in July 1949. They embarked on an adventurous military life, being stationed in Arizona, Indiana, and Germany. In Europe they traveled extensively and joined the U.S. Air Force’s square-dancing team. Marie also modeled the latest fashions in USO runway shows.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Atlantic and raised their three children - Debra, David, and Ilse. Marie’s love of children led her to babysitting many little ones, who affectionately called her “Ree.” To close family members, she was known as “Sis” or “Sister.”

Marie was a lifelong member of the Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church. Her favorite pastime was sitting on her front porch and entertaining company. Neighbors often stopped by to visit and to bring her fresh seafood and treats. She was fortunate to have lived in a Down East community surrounded by so many loving and generous people. Marie was loved by all those who knew her, she was the linchpin of her family and will be deeply missed.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Ilse Englehardt; grandchildren, Andrew Hill and wife Amber, Katherine Faw, Joel Faw, Carol Faw, and Duncan Englehardt and wife Hannah; great-granddaughter, Reina Hill; sisters-in-law, Lura Hill, Nancy Babbit, and Judy Goodwin; and brother-in-law, Winston Hunter Hill.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years Neil Hill; siblings, Robert Clinton, Jr., Fannie Elizabeth, Arthur Clinton, Margie Sue, and Martha Sue; daughter, Debra Hill Faw; son, David Hill; and son-in-law, Tony Englehardt.

A special thank you to her caregivers Pam Goodwin and Madolyn Carol Lupton.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Cedar Island Community Cemetery fund would be appreciated, P.O. Box 660, Cedar Island, NC 28520.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.