Dr. William Hill

William Emerson Hill, MD

Emerson was born August 13, 19333 to Mary Ruth and Ben A. Hill in Alcoa TN. He was the youngest of six children and was a product of the Alcoa School system. Emerson went to graduate from Howard University as an undergraduate in 1955 where he met and married his wife Betty H. Hill. He then graduated from Howard’s Medical School in 1959 and did his internship in Fresno CA, returning to Howard University’s Freedmen’s Hospital to complete his residency. He also earned the rank of Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy during this period of time. Is classmate John Harrold convinced him to come practice in Pontiac MI in 1965 where he practiced and taught at Pontiac General, North Oakland and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He estimated that he had delivered over7000 babies during his career. Emerson enjoyed teaching Ob/Gyn to his residents and students. He and Betty enjoyed a love for travel and dragged their children with them when they could.  They visited every continent but Australia and planned to do that one day.

Emerson had a love for good food, loved his little red car (1967 P1800) and was passionate about his beloved Lions and Howard University. He taught himself Spanish so that he could communicate with his Spanish speaking patients.

He leaves behind his wife, Betty and his three children, William (Ann), Renee (Mary Foulke)Hill and Jennifer Hill, four grandchildren, Andrew Hill, Lauren Hill, Sean Foulke-Hill and Matthias William Foulke-Hill, Nephew and Nieces Richard (Barbara) Packard, Kim Sullivan, Jeryl Irvine and Henry Hill Jr. and his Longtime friend, whom he grew up with, McAlister Bradford.

Emerson is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ruth and Ben A. and his siblings, Henry Hill, Helen (John) Packard, Evelyn (James) Sullivan, Margaret (Joseph) Irvine and Mildred Hill.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be given to Cranbrook’s Horizon Upward Bound or Howard University.