Geneva Joycelyn Hilton, born on June 18, 1928, in Tifton, Georgia, peacefully met her Savior face to face on October 6, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. A devoted servant of Jesus Christ, she spent her life sharing her faith with everyone she encountered.  She was quoted in the Tifton, GA newspaper as saying she "could not ever remember a time where she hadn't planned to be a missionary" and, her profession would be a "means to an end" in helping bring Christianity to natives in Africa. After the passing of her loving Mamma, Pearl S. Hilton, Geneva was raised by her Mother, Nettie Hilton. Upon graduating high school in Rocky Mount, she pursued her education passionately, earning degrees in education, nursing, and tropical medicine from universities in Canada, Belgium, and Africa. Additionally, she obtained dual Registered Nurse licenses from the state of Georgia and the country of Belgium.  Fluent in French and Swahili, Geneva served as a missionary in the Belgian Congo for seven years. Upon her return to the United States, Geneva and her identical twin, Veneda, whom she affectionately referred to as her "womb mate", began their nursing careers at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA.  Geneva became an instructor in pediatrics and developed many educational materials for Emory University Medical Students.  Even after her retirement in 2003, she never truly left nursing behind as she continued teaching nursing and in cardiac rehab classes.

Her joy of life and love of hospitality left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Geneva lived her entire life with her identical twin, Veneda.  A shared unbreakable bond that has only been interrupted twice by her time in the Belgium Congo and in her death. Geneva called her beloved Atlanta home. Wherever they went, they were often greeted with, "Miss Hilton, Miss Hilton," as people recognized the inseparable twins. They had even gained a delightful notoriety at local restaurants, where their reputation often secured them immediate seating, a charming testament to their shared identity.

Geneva was known for her gift of playing the piano.  She taught herself to play by ear. A passion that brought joy to many. Her kind and humble spirit served as an encouragement to those around her.  She was generous and devoted to her large family and multitude of friends. She is survived by her beloved identical twin, Veneda Hilton, and her sister, Lutrelle Smith.   She is preceded in death by her Mother and Daddy, many loving sisters and brother.  Her family and friends have been blessed by her legacy of love and cherish each memory with her. Her life was spent serving Jesus Christ and is a testament of her faith and dedication to Him, forever inspiring those around her. In her final years, Geneva was surrounded by all the love a family could ever provide.

While floral tributes are appreciated, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider: Operation Renewed Hope, PO Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309-3242 or donate online here

A service to honor God and pay tribute to Geneva's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Rocky Mount Bible Church, 5630 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 1:00 - 1:45 pm,