Elizabeth Alexander

Elizabeth Ann Hill was born to the late Eddie Hill and Lena Mae Petty Hill on August 15, 1947, in Como, Mississippi. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother at the age of nine, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she was raised by her father and her paternal grandmother, Ella Hill. At age ten, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Macedonia M.B. Church.

Elizabeth graduated from Hamilton High School in 1965. She continued her education at Tennessee State University and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Memphis State University. During these years, her life unfolded in significant and meaningful ways. She and Rogers Daily joyfully welcomed a son, Kevin Andre Hill.

Later, she married Melvin Alexander, and their union was blessed with a daughter, Latonya Alexander. The family became members of New Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R.L. Jones, affectionately known as "Grandaddy." After her divorce in 1987, Elizabeth and her children joined Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where they grew in faith and understanding of God's teachings. She served faithfully in the church choir until her health began to decline in February 2023.

Elizabeth embarked on her professional journey at Universal Life Insurance. In 1976, she joined Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, where she broke barriers as the company’s first African American computer programmer. She later advanced to the role of Business Systems Analyst, culminating a distinguished career with her retirement in 2002.

In retirement, Elizabeth discovered a passion for bridge and became an active member of the American Bridge Association, serving as its secretary for many years. She enjoyed traveling to bridge tournaments across the country, visiting cities such as Atlanta, Georgia; Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Indianapolis, Indiana. Elizabeth also cherished spending time with her family and created lasting memories through her love of hosting and gathering. For over 25 years, she took great joy in hosting the family’s annual Christmas dinner, a beloved tradition. She also delighted in attending fish fries at her niece’s home, especially savoring the “big bone buffalo,” which was a particular favorite of hers.

The second of four children, Elizabeth was affectionately known as "Bet" by her siblings. Her sister, Dorothy, who lovingly cared for her throughout her illness, was by her side until Elizabeth passed away at her home on November 26, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin A. Hill, and brothers, Willie Gene Ford and Marvin Hill.

Elizabeth leaves behind her devoted daughter, Latonya Alexander; her cherished sister, Dorothy Webster; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will treasure her memory. Her life was marked by love, faith, and perseverance; her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Elizabeth Alexander (Memphis, Tennessee), who passed away on Nov 26, 2024, at the age of 77, leaving to mourn family and friends. Please keep the Alexander family in your thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Alexander you are truly missed.

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