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Helen Hogan Hill, 104, knew how to live

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Special to the Tribune

Published: November 11, 2009

Updated: 11/11/2009 12:11 am

TAMPA - At 104, Helen Hogan Hill knew the secret to longevity: "Just keep on breathing," she would often tell those who asked.

The resident of Canterbury Tower never smoked, rarely drank and was once described by a son as "in charge of north Georgia."

Hill died Monday at the senior living center where she had lived for more than 30 years. Just four days before, she had happily celebrated her 104th birthday.

Born Nov. 5, 1905, on a cotton farm in Fayette County, Ga., Hill learned to count by helping her mother pay workers for picking cotton.

At 14, she was sent to Georgia State Normal School, a boarding school in Athens.

After World War II, Hill obtained a degree in education from Oglethorpe University and, in the 1920s, became the first home demonstration agent in White County, Ga., teaching young women the skills of homemaking.

After marrying Alton P. Hogan, starting a family and settling in Marietta, Ga., she became supervisor of lunchrooms for the school district and held that position for many years until retirement.

Later in life, she married George H. Hill of Atlanta, who died six months after their marriage. She soon moved to Canterbury Tower in Tampa.

Hill is survived by her two sons, A. Paul and G.W. Hogan of Sanibel Island; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Paul Hogan is a retired managing editor of The Tampa Tribune.

Burial will take place at New Hope Church near Fayetteville, Ga.

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