Eloise Sidelinger

WILSON - Eloise Hill Sidelinger, of Wilson, died Thursday afternoon, January 21, 2016 at Wilson Medical Center.

To celebrate her life, a memorial service will be held at Winstead United Methodist Church, 1407 Tarboro Street in Wilson, NC 27893 on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 4pm. Visitation will be held at the church immediately following the service.

Born in Johnston County on March 9, 1929 to the late Millard Hill and Zilphia Stancil Hill.

Eloise enjoyed reminiscing about her time growing up on the family farm. She sang on the radio before graduating from Glendale School in Johnston County and took great pleasure in organizing class reunions.

Eloise worked in the House of Representatives and later with AAA in while living with her aunt Nancy Callender in Washington, DC. She met future husband Wayne Sidelinger, originally from Monson, Maine, while both were attending Ben Franklin University in D.C.

Eloise and Wayne Sidelinger married on September 30, 1950. Within days of marriage, Wayne was recalled to active duty with The U.S. Marine Corps and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC.

In 1952, they moved to Wilson, NC and began raising their family. As a couple, Eloise and Wayne enjoyed dancing, entertaining, hosting parties, organizing get-togethers and events for various groups.

In 1965, Eloise began a career working with husband Wayne and son Steve at The Antique Barn in Wilson. She was a Charter Member and Life Member of Wilson Golden Circle Optimist Club.

Eloise is survived by her husband Wayne Sidelinger, sons Steve Sidelinger and wife Charla of Wilson, NC, Michael Sidelinger and wife Adrianna of Shallotte, NC, Lyndon Sidelinger and wife Jennifer of Roswell, GA, and daughter Nancy Sidelinger Herring and husband Jamie of Greensboro, NC, and grandchildren Richard, Rebecca, Lauren, Sarah Catherine, Emilie, Carolyn, Troy and Victoria. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Vernon Hill, and sisters Mavis Godwin, Hazel Wright, Beatrice Renfrow, and her granddaughter Sara Elizabeth Sidelinger.

The family would like to thank the remarkable care and friendship given by her friend Ann Boykin during the last year of her life.

Eloise was always a source of comfort, providing emotional support and encouragement to anyone in need. She was always the life of the party telling jokes, especially when accompanied by her sisters, keeping the crowd laughing for hours.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to Winstead United Methodist Church, 1407 Tarboro St SW, Wilson, NC 2893.