Susan Hill

Susan “Susie” Werber Hill, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 9. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by a constant stream of family and loved ones. 

Born on December 21, 1947, Susie spent her youth in College Park, Maryland. She attended Holton-Arms School in Washington, DC and went on to Duke University. It was there that she met her husband, Dan, married and established their roots in Durham. Susie went on to live a charmed life embodying her values of love, competition and service to others.

Susie was predeceased by her husband Dan W. Hill, III, her parents William M. Werber and Kathryn Potter Werber, and her brother William W. Werber. Susie is survived by her sister, Patricia Werber Bryant; sons Dan W. Hill IV and Todd Hill; daughters-in-law Allison Hill and Erica Hill; and grandchildren Dan W. Hill V, Smith Hill, Spencer Hill and Taylor Hill.

Widely known in the Durham and Duke communities for her boundless energy, infectious smile, competitive spirit, and unwavering support, Susie was the most ardent cheerleader for those she loved. She inherited the best qualities from her remarkable parents, combining the competitive fire of her professional athlete father with the playful and deep love of her mother.

Perpetually beautiful, young at heart, and always in motion, Susie knew what mattered most to her and pursued those things with fervor. Her vivacious spirit was evident in many areas of her life: as a Duke cheerleader, as a Physical Education teacher to young children at Durham Academy, and as a volunteer with the youth theater group Penny Feathers. Susie also discovered a love for tennis, becoming a highly accomplished player over the years. She cherished the physical activity, the competition, the social connections, the travel, and was a lifelong student of the game.

As a community servant, Susie channeled her energy into her 37 years as the secretary and front desk extraordinaire at Githens Middle School. She loved the kids, her coworkers, and the sense of purpose the job gave her, all while finishing her workday by 12:30 p.m., which allowed her to enjoy the tennis courts or walk the Duke Trail. Her summers off allowed for even more tennis and special annual family beach trips to Bald Head Island.

In more recent years, Susie found love again as a tennis coach for the Jordan High School women’s tennis team. There, she could challenge and cheer on many young budding players, all of whom she was incredibly proud. And one cannot mention Susie without acknowledging her lifelong love affair with Duke University. It began with routine drives from Washington, DC, as a small child with her father to watch Duke athletic events, continued with several trips to witness ACC and NCAA championships, and included well over 1,000 games at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

These many passions allowed Susie to form countless deep and enduring friendships over her seven decades. She loved each of you dearly.

Family was always at the heart of Susie’s life. She relished being a daughter, sister, and aunt, and was adored by both her family and her in-laws. She cherished moments spent with her husband Dan—especially watching Duke basketball or dragging him around the world to experience different cultures. She was a loving and present mother to Todd and Dax and deeply cherished her daughters-in-law. Above all, she adored her grandchildren, beaming with pride for each one.

Susie will be deeply missed by the many whose lives she touched. Her smile, energy, and cheerleading spirit will be fondly remembered. Although she has left this world, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her.

A celebration of Susie’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 22, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens (https://gardens.duke.edu/support/honor-memorial-gifts/)
• Jordan High School Girls Tennis Team (https://jhsabc.org/susie-hill)

Rest in Peace, Susie. You will forever be in our hearts.