BBQ benefit to be held for children of Perry’s Bait Shop owner

A fundraiser to benefit the children of the late owner of a Murrell’s Inlet bait shop is scheduled to be held later this month.

The event is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Perry’s Bait and Tackle. Smokin’ Sumthin’ BBQ is hosting the fundraiser, along with Brown Rooftops, selling BBQ sandwiches and sides.

All the funds raised will go to benefit the three children of Jessica Lynn Hill, who was found killed Sept. 29 after the bait shop was burned in an arson, according to police.

“All of the proceeds from the benefit will be going into an account for her children. We are soo thankful to all the generous neighbors and friends in our community, our inlet and surrounding. Everyone continues to amaze us with their charity and love,” read a post about the event on the bait shop’s Facebook page.

The bait shop, at 3965 U.S. 17 Business, was shuttered for about a week after it was damaged by fire and following Hill’s death. Police found Hill’s body aboard a boat driven by Eric Perry, according to officers. Perry and Hill had been married.

Perry was arrested and is charged with Hill’s murder and the alleged arson of the bait shop, records show.

Authorities said Hill died from head trauma and strangulation. Hill was beloved by the Murrells Inlet fishing community and well-known for her expert knowledge.

“When she tied (a rig or knot), she explained why it worked and she was teaching valuable knowledge for anybody, from a 9- to an 80-year-old,” Capt. Jason Burton of Murrells Inlet Fishing Center previously told The Sun News. “She made a lot of people who weren’t very good at fishing experts overnight.”

For about a decade, Hill was the face of the longstanding bait shop. She was remembered in a special tribute on Oct. 2 when friends and family gathered to cast reels in her honor along the Inlet and shared messages and memories of her.

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 2:48 PM with the headline "BBQ benefit to be held for children of Perry’s Bait Shop owner."