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Jewell Hill-Loock was born on September 22, 1946, in Gastonia, NC, to the late James Floyd Hill and Donnie Bell Braswell Hill. Her younger sister, Mary Kathryn, died at birth. Her mother was a dental assistant for Dr. Bill Woody, and later for Dr. Susan Stover and Dr. Doug Stover. Her father owned and operated Carolina Steel Roller Machine, Inc. in Dallas, NC. He was a WWII veteran and a 33rd Degree Mason.
Mrs. Hill-Loock graduated from Frank L. Ashley High School in 1964. In 1968, she graduated from Greensboro College, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1970. Further postgraduate work was done in the field of Language, as well as in German Language and Literature.
As a result of her studies and work, Mrs. Hill-Loock has lived in Aiken SC, Lafayette, LA, Newark, DE, El Escorial, Spain, and Munich, Germany. She traveled extensively for over six months in central Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, Greece, and former Yugoslavia before settling in Munich, where she lived for 23 years. She still enjoys contact with and visits from friends made in these places.
After writing and editing foreign language books on a freelance basis for several publishing companies in Germany, England, and Switzerland, she was hired by Max Hueber Publishing Company in Munich as an editor for English textbooks and a trainer of German teachers of English. During those years, she volunteered with the Tolstoy Institute (Russian Jews awaiting resettlement), and with immigrants to Germany from Poland and other countries.
In 1995, she returned to Gastonia to be near her parents. She taught English as a second language and German as a Foreign Language in many Gaston County schools (mainly Ashbrook and Forestview). During this time, she also volunteered with Crisis Ministry, the Literary Council and the Charlotte Humane Society. After retiring from teaching, she continued to work with the Animal League of Gaston County and the Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic. Over the years, she helped many senior citizens and their senior pets for these and other rescue organization.
Family and friends of Jewell Hill-Loock are invited to attend her memorial service which will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 1:30 PM from the graveside at Gaston Memorial Park. The Rev. Dr. Joan Martin will officiate.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mcleanfuneral.com
Memorial donations in her name may be given to Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic online or sent to 425 West Franklin Blvd., Gastonia NC 28052.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Hill-Loock family.
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Jacqueline V. Wilkins (Pyles)
Jewell and I became best friends in the eighth grade at Victory school. Memories flood my heart of many monopoly games, around the world basketball, spending the night and much girl talk, going to Rainbows and dancing parties, making angels in the snow, and eating fried shrimp that Mrs. Hill cooked for supper, and a trip to Myrtle Beach with Jewell and her dear parents. The fondest memory was the fun and exciting participation that we had in the Little Theater. Jane Cox, Ann Beam, Bill Kitchen, Jewell and I took active parts in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Jewell was so pretty that she was asked by Helen Gray to be Snow White and Bill Kitchen was the charming prince and Jane and Ann were part of the witch's cauldron scene with me, Jackie Wilkins as the witch. I must say Jewell was a beautiful Snow White and I loved the mean witch character. As we attended Ashley, we developed other friends in our busy three years of high school. Jewell excelled in her education and career and touched many lives and her compassion for animals shows such a caring and giving heart. Class of Frank L. Ashley 64, we were so very blessed to be raised in the best of times. We have so very much in the friends that we enjoyed, the parents that raised us, the teachers that were determined for us to learn thoroughly in our education (no politics) and our churches teaching life in Christ and the importance to be grounded and centered in God's forgiveness, mercy and goodness. We are blessed beyond all measure dear fellow graduates of 64. Love to each, Jackie Wilkins Pyles
Virginia Ann Beam (Harrison)
I have some great memories of Jewell when we were kids at Victory. Sleepovers at her house. Her precious mom making us sundaes. Many of my memories are the same as Jackie's!! We were such a close knit group of friends. Jewell was perfect for the role of Snow White; I loved being a part of the play. Our Washington trip, Rainbows and so many other times together.
We really did grow up in a wonderful time. I echo everything Jackie said!! We were very fortunate to be born into such loving, Godly homes and to have such great memories of fun times with childhood friends. Jewell was a part of so much of my life at Victory.
Martha McPhail
Jewell had a lovely graveside memorial service yesterday on June 3. Many of her Victory, Ashley, and Greensboro College friends attended. Remarks on her very full life were given by Jane Cox, Kris Brunnemer Cooke, and a college friend. My sister Liz sang Jewell's favorite song, Lord of the Dance. Several of us gathered at Covenant Village to reminisce and celebrate Jewell. We think she would have been pleased with her simple, beautiful farewell. Jewell was a close friend since we met at Victory in fifth grade. I loved her and will miss her sharp intelligence. Rest easy, Jewell!Kris Brunnemer (Cooke)
Restful peace, my long time friend. Thank you for the wonderful memories of growing up together.