Hilda (Harrell) Farmer

Hilda Farmer, a lifelong resident of Fayetteville (North Hills neighborhood), passed away peacefully on Friday, September 24, 2021. Hilda is a retired school teacher who began her life’s journey on December 12, 1927. She was raised by her loving family in St. Pauls, North Carolina. At an early age, she demonstrated strong academic skills and she graduated from high school at the age of 15. She attended Fayetteville State University, and she graduated with a degree in education. Although she was very young as an undergraduate, she participated fully in university activities, and she pledged Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

     Hilda met her husband Fred Farmer, Jr. at a special Valentine’s Day dance at her university, and it was love at first sight.  He nicknamed her “Val”, as an affectionate reference to their first meeting. Fred was an Army officer, stationed at Fort Bragg, and he focused on aviation. They married on December 24, 1948. They traveled extensively throughout Fred’s career as an Army pilot, but Fayetteville was always home for them and their family. Together, they were active in many ways, especially with their church and with the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg Chapter of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association (“The Triple Nickels”). They enjoyed 59 years of a happy marriage, living most of these years in Fayetteville.

    Hilda was blessed with a wonderful teaching career. She taught elementary school within the Fayetteville public school system, and she finished her career as a teacher for Fort Bragg schools. Hilda was highly respected as a teacher. She was known for her dedication to teaching all students, regardless of their learning abilities or backgrounds. She made teaching both a family and a community experience, and she would make her lesson plans both relatable and exciting. 

    During retirement, Hilda continued to teach at the community level. She regularly taught Sunday School at College Heights Presbyterian Church, her Church home for over sixty years. She also taught Vacation Bible School each summer. She also continued as a faithful participant in College Heights Presbyterian Church Bible Study.

    Hilda was dedicated to her church community at College Heights Presbyterian Church. Reverend Lesley Bligen, the Pastor and Church leader, recounts her regular visits to his office when she came to share her ideas about new plans for the church. When Rev. Bligen’s grandson was in his office, Hilda would always greet his young grandson first, with hugs and kind words. Hilda would get down to business only after giving love and attention to the youngest person in the room. It was a testament to her support for young people and for family.

    Hilda made sure that she taught her four children with the same dedication and determination that she took to her classroom. All of her four daughters attended and graduated from four-year colleges. Her youngest daughter, Joy Lynn (husband Ross May, Jr) continued the teaching tradition, and she is an early childhood educator in New Rochelle, NY. The other three daughters extended their education to graduate programs, and they became successful in each of their respective careers. The oldest daughter, Francesta, deceased in 2009, became a lawyer who focused on international affairs. Mychelle (husband James DeGraffenreidt, Jr) is a physician in Baltimore, Maryland, and April (husband Louis Jenkins) has enjoyed a dual career as a Baptist minister and a university administrator. Hilda was a role model to her daughters, and she was ahead of her time as a strong advocate for women as leaders in both the community and in professional settings. 

     Hilda was the matriarch of a dynamic and diverse family. Her children and grandchildren live all over the world, and they proudly emulate the example that she set for all of them. Hilda is survived by her sister, Marlene Moultrie of Virginia, three brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews. She will be cherished forever by her three surviving daughters Mychelle, April, and Joy, and her beloved grandchildren (Niambi, Louis, Brandon, Frederick, Aaron, Lorraine, Michael, and Jeremy). Hilda was also blessed with eleven great grandchildren.

     Funeral services for Hilda Farmer will take place on Saturday, October 2, at Wiseman Mortuary of Fayetteville, at 431 Cumberland Street. There will be a viewing from 10-11 on Saturday, followed by funeral services at 11am. Both will take place at Wiseman Mortuary. Interment will be at Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. 

Topic: Celebration of Life for Mrs. Hilda Farmer
Time: Oct 2, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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