Hilda Wilhite

JEFFERSON - Miss Hilda Wilhite was born June 1, 1926 in Jefferson, the daughter of the late Hoyt and Lorean Haynes Wilhite.

Hilda attended Jefferson Elementary School, and graduated in 1947 from Fair Street High School in Gainesville. She completed Early Childhood Development training at the University of Georgia in 1967, Child Development Associate training at Gainesville College in 1971, and received a CDA in Early Childhood Education from Gainesville College in 1982.

After acquiring knowledge and training in the field of education, Miss Wilhite devoted 25 years to the Jackson County Head Start Program. She was employed by Allied Community Services, Inc., Bryan Hill Child Development Center, Jackson County Head Start, and ACTION Inc. She had devoted most of her career to serving the families and children of Jackson County and surrounding areas.

She has always strived to help others, and has received numerous awards for her service:

• She received the Jefferson High School Parents Appreciation Award 1981-1982
• Jackson County Head Start Staff Person of the Year 1985-1986
• MLK Jr. Service Award from the Jackson County MLK Jr. Commemoration Birthday Celebration in 2000
• Retired from ACTION Inc. Jackson County Head Start, Jefferson, as a teacher with 31 total years of service

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters, Robelia Victrum and Jacqueline Wilhite, both of Jefferson; two nieces Vanessa Hunter and Beverly Victrum, both of Jefferson; an adopted sister in Christ, Louise Fitch, Jefferson; God-daughter, Labrenza Law, Jefferson; and a host of great-nephews, great-nieces, relatives, students, dear friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held at Paradise AME Church on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held at Paradise AME Church on Saturday, March 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Professional services entrusted to Wimberly & Jackson Funeral Home, Gainesville.