Melissa Mae Hill

DOB: 4/10/69 – 55 yrs. old

Melissa is a walking encyclopedia of her ancestry, having compiled her family history in two large notebooks. She has traced some of her ancestors to the 1800’s. Some were enslaved in Buckingham County, some at Bremo Plantation. When she first saw a will that her 4th great grandfather Frederick Wood signed with an X, not being able to read or write, Melissa touched that mark with a grateful heart for his legacy.

Melissa has lived her entire life in Fluvanna. Born at University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, she grew up in the West Bottom area of Fluvanna.  She currently lives on inherited Hill family property.

Melissa’s mother is Gloria Opie. Her biological father is Frederick Hill and her stepfather is James Opie. She has 10 sisters and 2 brothers in this blended family. For most of her childhood, Melissa lived with the Hill extended family, which had a small self-sustaining farm, like many folks in the community at the time. Her grandparents, Sam and Rosa Hill, were central to her upbringing. Sam was a carpenter who built their family home. Rosa, who could not read or write, was a loving Mama Bear. Though the family had modest means, they had all they needed with their big garden, fruit trees, pigs, chickens and rabbits.

Melissa was a good student at Fluvanna schools: Fork Union Elementary, Central Elementary, the Annex, and old Fluvanna High School, where she ran track for four years.

Melissa was interested in hair styling from the age of five. After high school, she attended the International Beauty School to become a licensed cosmetologist. Strongly motivated but without a car, Melissa made elaborate transportation arrangements starting at 5:00 a.m. in order to get to Charlottesville to attend classes. She is a successful hair stylist to this day.

When in her twenties, Melissa became interested in photography, borrowing (and never returning) her Aunt Helen’s camera. She has taught herself the art of photography by reading and by examining photographs in books and magazines. Fifteen years ago, Melissa imagined building a photography side business.  She is currently taking serious steps to build an established photography business.

Melissa endeavors to live her life through integrity, honesty, and kindness so she can best honor all her ancestors, especially Sam and Rosa Hill. She says she is grateful to all her ancestors for their sacrifices that have enabled her to enjoy the opportunities she has had. She joyfully states, “I love, love, love my family and my ancestors.”

Melissa