Vernon Maurice "Sweetie" Hill, 57, died Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Mercy Regional Health Center. Mr. Hill passed away quietly with his family at his side. He was born Aug. 7, 1951, in Kansas City, Mo., to Kelsey Henry and Cecil lone (Wilson) Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and nephew, Harry J. Hill II.

He attended Yeager Elementary School in KC, Mo., until the family returned to Manhattan. Sweetie attended Douglass Elementary, Manhattan Junior and Sen- ior High. Vernon recently rededicated his life to Christ, his Lord and Savior. He is now enjoying heaven's family reunion. He was employed by KSU maintenance deptartment for many years. He was later employed by Manhattan Housing Authority until his health failed him. Vernon loved life and he loved children. It was hard for "Sweetie" to say "no" to a child. Vernon also volunteered at the Riley County Senior Center.

Vernon married Marilyn Grisham, and had one daughter. The marriage later dissolved. To cherish his memory he leaves his daughter, Taneka Ari Hill; grandsons, Amari Lee Wilkerson and Mekhi Maurice Wilkerson; granddaughter Imiyah Sade Wilkerson, all of Topeka; five brothers, Kelsey, Rev. Harry, Michael, Billy, and Gary.

Services for Mr. Hill will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 with visitation at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 831 Yuma. Burial will be in Sunrise Cemetery.

obituary from The Manhattan Mercury