As the Columbus community continues to mourn the loss of Alexis Hill, those who knew her best say her legacy is one of generosity, kindness, and a commitment to helping others.

Hill, 44, was fatally shot Tuesday morning at the Dollar General on Victory Drive. Since her death, family members, friends, customers, and law enforcement officers have shared memories of a woman they describe as selfless and caring.

Among them is Columbus Police Cpl. Heather Hicks, who developed a friendship with Hill over the years through community outreach efforts and regular interactions at work.

“I met her years ago, and when she started working at Dollar General, I had just been moved to the south side of town,” Hicks told CNAW2News. “From that point on, I just made sure she was taken care of and checked on regularly.”

Hicks said Hill quickly became someone she could count on.

“She was a wonderful person,” Hicks said. “She had the biggest heart you could possibly think of, and more so. She cared about everybody. Everybody was number one, and she always put herself second.”

According to Hicks, Hill regularly stepped up to help members of the homeless community.

As part of her community policing efforts, Hicks frequently purchased water, food, hygiene products, and other necessities for people experiencing homelessness. Many times, those purchases were made at the Dollar General where Hill worked.

“Alexis was always willing to help,” Hicks said. “I’d grab a case of water, and she would always grab a second one and say, ‘I’m buying this one for you.’ She’d tell me to make sure everyone stayed hydrated because it was hot outside.”

Hicks said Hill never hesitated to contribute when someone needed assistance.

“She would be the first person to say, ‘No, no, no, let me buy it for them. Let me contribute,'” Hicks recalled.

The officer believes the overwhelming community response following Hill’s death reflects the impact she had on those around her.

“The amount of people that showed up for her tells you everything you need to know,” Hicks said. “She would show up for them. She always showed up for them.”

Beyond her work and service to others, Hicks said Hill’s greatest pride was her family.

Hill was the mother of three sons and recently spoke often about her hopes of moving to Colorado to be closer to her children and grandson.

“She had just gotten back from seeing her family and was telling me all about her grandson and how fast he was growing,” Hicks said. “Her hope was to move to Colorado to be with her boys and her grandson.”

When asked what she hopes people remember most about Hill, Hicks did not hesitate.

“Her generosity. Her kindness,” she said.

As the investigation into Hill’s death continues, those who knew her say the community lost someone who quietly made a difference in the lives of countless people.

“She was a wonderful human,” Hicks said. “Follow in her footsteps. Do everything you can to be just like her.”