Millicent Hill

Millicent Amelia Somers-Hill, also lovingly known as, Millie, was born on November 12th, 1933, to Rose Audrey and Arthur C. Somers Sr.; and big sister to her brother, Arthur C. Somers Jr. Millicent grew up in a very loving, devout, Christian household on 58th and Master Street in West Philadelphia. She attended West Philadelphia High School and knew very early in life that she was destined to make an indelible and positive difference in the lives of many. So, right after graduating from high school, Millicent embarked on a career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry where she excelled for 49 years.

While working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Millie ascended very quickly and was promoted into several high level, prominent positions, including Employment Specialist, Pennsylvania Social Services Union Local # 668 Shop Steward, Philadelphia Chapter Vice President, Statewide Election Chairperson and Co-Chair of the Retirees Unit. She also served on the boards of the AFL/CIO Retirees and the Action Alliance and ended her career as an Employment Security Specialist 2.

Millicent was a vibrant, intelligent, strong, Black woman of faith who was passionate in her lifelong crusade to serve God and her community by any means necessary. She was elected Secretary for 6100 Catharine Street’s Block Committee and proved to be a tenacious, fearless proponent for the prevention and reduction of crime in her neighborhood. Her generosity coupled with the support and training she provided, as a mentor, empowered thousands throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to secure gainful employment. Her relentless efforts to improve the quality of life for all people earned her a place in the 16th edition of Who’s Who of American Women. And although Millicent had no biological children of her own, she was exceptionally philanthropic with her offerings of love and support, physically, financially, and spiritually to a multitude of marginalized area youth and their families. 

Another way that Millie served her community and God was as an integral member of the St. Philip’s Evangelical Lutheran Church family, to which her and the Somers family were proud members for many years. In her years at St. Philip’s, Millicent served wherever needed and relished her roles as: Senior Choir member, Sunday School Teacher, Secretary of the Kitchen Kommittee, Secretary of the Drama Club, Substitute organist, member of the Aid Association for Lutherans and Church Financial Secretary. In 1971, she was the recipient of the Chapel of Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award for her tireless acts of selflessness and compassion.

On May 4th, 1958, in the very church where she served, Millicent Somers became Mrs. Millicent Hill when she said, “I do” and professed a lifetime of love to, Ernest Gatlin Hill Jr. (“Ernie”).  God blessed their union for almost 40 years until Ernest’s untimely death.

As if Millicent’s plate wasn’t full enough, her and Ernie contributed to the success of Somers Seafood, a family owned and operated restaurant, by working there in what little spare time they had.

Outside of work, Millicent was a travel enthusiast who embarked on a multitude of adventures throughout the world in the company of close friends and family. She also loved to skate, she volunteered annually for the United Negro College Fundraising Telethons, she played the piano/organ, she was a cutthroat card player, and she enjoyed countless excursions to the Jersey shore. Millicent possessed an indomitable spirit that enabled her to fight tirelessly as an activist for women’s rights, equal rights, and social justice.

Millicent has touched the lives of so many throughout her 89 years of life. She leaves behind two nephews: Joel Christopher Somers and Keith Anthony Somers, a great nephew, Janeus Somers, two great nieces, Breeana Somers and Alexandria Somers, and one great, great niece, Allana Mosesso, along with countless cousins, friends, and acquaintances, including her last true love and constant canine companion, Mr. Chips.

All of us have been truly blessed and exponentially better for having had Millicent in our lives. She will be missed.

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