Hilda Holmes English was born in Adel, Georgia on April 15, 1944.  She was the beloved daughter of late Phillip and  Calantha Holmes.

She received her primary and secondary education in the Cook County School System, graduating from Cook County High School.  Hilda's deep thirst for knowledge and firm belief that education was vital to the betterment of all people stirred her to continue her education at Albany State College where she was awarded the B.S. degree in Elementary Education.  During school, she demonstrated exceptional potential while developing a deep passion, genuine care, concern, and calling to serve others.

Hilda's Christian experience began at a very early age when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She was baptized and received the "right hand of fellowship" into the body of Christ at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Adel.  From that point forward, she devoted herself faithfully to God's purpose and His calling on her life.   In later years after relocating to Albany, Georgia, she united with the Union Missionary Baptist Church where she continued unfalteringly in her season of Christian stewardship.  Over the years, she proudly stood at her post greeting and ushering the congregation into the     worship services.  Hilda loved her Usher ministry and unyieldingly believed that because the Lord called her to duty—to serve was truly an honor.  Her strong faith and unwavering convictions allowed her to be an example for her family, friends, church family, and all who encountered her.

Hilda always had a love for children and was blessed to have had a profound professional career before becoming disabled.  As an elementary school teacher, she was relentless in guiding and inspiring students in the Mitchell County School  System.  She was a caring teacher who set high standards for her students and made them feel loved.  Her career was marked by the highest level of teaching excellence; and as a result, she received numerous accolades as she shaped the lives of many boys and girls.  Yes, she truly possessed a gift for teaching and a love for children.

Known for her kind, gentle spirit and unconditional love, family was paramount in Hilda's life.  She was formerly married to James R. English, Sr. and their union was blessed with two loving children—James Jr. and LaTonya.  She was an altruistic mother who looked well to the ways of her household and often sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.  Not only was she devoted to her family, she was also a loyal friend who delighted in helping others—never asking anything in return.  She had a way of looking into your soul and knowing just what you would need to make you grow.  Having the privilege of being loved by her was to know you would be loved for a lifetime.  In her leisure, she enjoyed listening to music, reading, and watching her favorite television show—Gunsmoke.

On January 1, 2024, Hilda quietly answered the Master's call to eternal peace and rest.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Carlton Ford.  Although her parting leaves a void, we rejoice in Philippians 1:21, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of her children, James (Melissa) English, Jr. and LaTonya English; grandchildren, Eroski (Quiana) Miller, Phillip (Aijalon) English, and Brandon Burns; siblings, Elma Jean (Jessie) Mosley and Sarah Helen McDowell; a very special friend, Betty Hall; former husband, James R. English, Sr.; great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.