Geneva Joycelyn Hilton

Geneva Hilton Obituary
Geneva Joycelyn Hilton, born on June 18, 1928, in Tifton, Georgia, she met her Savior face to face on October 6, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and spent her life sharing her faith with everyone she encountered. She was once quoted in the local newspaper of Tifton GA, as saying her profession would be a “means to an end.” It will provide a way in helping bring Christianity to natives in Africa. She was also quoted as saying, that she “could not ever remember a time where she hadn’t planned to be a missionary.“

Geneva was raised by her loving Mother, Nettie Hilton, after the passing of her Mamma, Pearl S. Hilton, when she was just six weeks old. After graduating from high school in Rocky Mount she earned her degree from Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada, followed by nursing school, French studies in Quebec and the University of Paris in Brussels. She studied tropical medicine and leprosy in Africa learning to become fluent in both French and Swahili. She received her RN from the state of Georgia and from the Country of Belgium. Geneva served as a missionary in the Belgian Congo for seven years before returning to the United States, where she and her “womb mate,” and identical twin, Veneda, began their careers in nursing at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Geneva was an instructor in pediatrics and developed many educational materials for Emory University Medical Students. After retirement in 2003, she became active in cardiac rehab and never truly left nursing behind. She continued nursing classes.

Her joy of life and love of hospitality left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Geneva lived her entire life with her identical twin, Veneda. Their bond was unbreakable. The only time they were separated was during their time in the Belgian Congo. Geneva called Atlanta home and loved the city. Every time they went somewhere, someone would call from a distance, “Miss Hilton, Miss Hilton,” recognizing them. They had even gained an amusing notoriety because when they made reservations at local restaurants, they were almost always seated immediately. A charming reflection of their shared identity as twins and their last name Hilton.

Geneva was known for her gift of playing the piano. She taught herself to play by ear and it was a passion that brought joy to many. Her kind and humble spirit served as an encouragement to those around her. She was generous and devoted to her large family and multitude of friends.

She is survived by her beloved identical twin, Veneda Hilton, and her sister, Lutrelle Smith. She is preceded in death by her Mother and Daddy, many loving sisters and brother. Her family and friends have been blessed by her legacy of love and cherish each memory with her. Her life was spent serving Jesus Christ and is a testament of her faith and dedication to Him forever inspiring those around her. In her final years, Geneva was surrounded by all the love a family could ever provide.

A service to honor God and pay tribute to Geneva’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Rocky Mount Bible Church, 5630 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 1:00 – 1:45 pm,

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