Emily Ann Hill's Obituary
Surrounded by her loving family, Emily Ann Hill of Longview, Texas, peacefully passed away at her home on September 4, 2025, just 13 days before her 96th birthday.
Emily was born on September 17, 1929, in Hugo, Oklahoma, to Henry Louis German and Abbie Marie Hudgins German. She and younger brother, David Ronald German (who preceded her in death in 2010), grew up in the 4th & Jackson Church of Christ in Hugo, where their faith was nurtured. In fact, she was the one who – from her window - saw families walking to the church; she asked her parents if they could join this church and so they did.
A gifted singer, Emily was a member of the Glee Club at Hugo High School and performed frequently as a soloist at school and church events. After graduating in 1947, she attended Abilene Christian College as a voice major. Though she left college to marry her high school sweetheart, Jack Bucklin, and raise a family in Tulsa, her love of music and her devotion to her three children remained lifelong passions. The marriage ended in divorce in 1963, but Emily’s focus on her children and her faith never wavered.
Most of Emily’s career was spent in the accounting departments of Oklahoma oil companies. While working at Amerada Petroleum Company, she met her future husband, Charles Everett Hill of Fort Worth, through a mutual friend. The two were married in Tulsa in 1969, blending their families together with love and commitment.
Emily and Charles lived in Hurst, Texas, before moving to Durant, Oklahoma, where Emily became active in politics. She attended the inaugural ball of Oklahoma’s first Republican governor, Henry Bellmon, and later served as his Bryan County campaign coordinator in his 1974 Senate race, working two years on the Senator’s Energy Committee.
In 1978, Emily and Charles settled in Longview, Texas. There she owned and managed rental properties, served as President of the local apartment association, and was later elected to the board of the Texas Apartment Association. She also worked alongside her husband in their family business, Hill Pipe and Steel. At the same time, Emily devoted herself to her church, teaching Sunday school at Northside Church of Christ and, since 2004, volunteering her time and worshipping faithfully with Alpine Church of Christ.
Emily and Charles moved to an independent living cottage at Arabella in October 2014, where they enjoyed their later years together. Charles passed away on December 31, 2016.
Through the devoted care of her son, Scott Bucklin, Emily was able to remain in the comfort of her own home despite increasing frailty, surrounded by love, joy, and faith. Her perseverance and gentle spirit were a testimony to her trust in the Lord and His sustaining grace.
Emily is survived by her children Laura Bissell (née Bucklin) of West Sussex, England; Scott Bucklin of Longview; and Jason Bucklin of Dallas; stepsons Charles Edward “Eddie” Hill of Plano and Bruce Howard Hill of Durant; 16 grandchildren—Rachel, Carrie, Morna, Stephanie, Aaron, Stacy, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Melissa, Michelle, Jeff, Beth, Christopher, Max, Brandon, and Silas—and 24 great-grandchildren.
The Hill family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Srinivas Rangu and the caring staff at Arabella, ChoicePlus Care, and PrimeCare Hospice for their compassion and support.
A celebration of Emily’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, at the Rosewood Park Chapel, FM 1844 Rd, Longview, TX 75605, followed by a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Emily Ann Hill: https://events.alz.org/event/alz-tributes/home
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