Judy Gilliland Hill

Judy Gilliland Hill - AKA Wife, Mom, Friend, Church member, and “Cheater" - had five major passions in life: Jesus and church, family (especially Dad), friends, travel, and playing games (and being accused of cheating while doing so).

With a smile and laugh that could light up a room, she was quick-witted, had an incredible sense of humor, and took life as it came, no matter how good or bad. She was liberal with I-Love-You’s and hugs. Just about everyone she met became a friend. She collected owls, preferred wearing gowns and bathrobes whenever possible (that just had to match), and her favorite color was purple (contributing to how much she liked Grapico).

All this was despite having numerous health issues throughout her life, including having a full shoulder/humerus/elbow replacement at 87-years-old. Nothing kept her from living her life to the fullest.

Born on April 13, 1938, at home in Blount County, AL, Judy lived 88 wonderful, fulfilling years. She joined Jesus and reunited with her husband on August 2, 2026, from her home in Trussville, AL.

She married the love of her life, Oliver Jackson “Jack” Hill, on February 1, 1957. Jack (“OJ” or “Orange Juice”) was her rock. She has missed him every day since he passed away and has been dearly looking forward to holding his hand in heaven as she did for their 66+ years of marriage.

In 1958, they became pregnant with their first son, Michael Jackson. David Arthur followed soon after. Nine years later, Tracy Dion came, and then Daryl Wayne completed the family. For about the first 15 years of marriage, Judy was a stay-at-home Mom. Her life was her husband and kids. Then she also found a job that she loved, becoming a bank teller and eventually a much-valued trainer.

Travel was always important. Though money was tight, the couple prioritized annual family vacations (often including friends and extended family) to the mountains, beach, or even occasionally across the country. This continued as their children got older and grandchildren entered the picture.

After retirement, they branched out, going on cruises, to Europe, and serving during a much-loved mission trip to Romania.

One constant was their church. They attended 85th Street Baptist until it merged with Mt. Olive Baptist amd became Deerfoot Baptist. When Deerfoot became The Way, Judy stayed a faithful member until it closed.

Unless health issues interfered, Judy and Jack were at church just about every time the doors opened. They taught Sunday School, volunteered for VBS, and led youth group retreats and outings. Every Wednesday night was the church dinner and prayer meeting. Judy sang in the adult choir, rang bells in the bell choir, and did ceramics at church for many years.

Then another passion took off… her love of games. She had always played games when available, but when the church started playing Mexican Train Dominoes every Monday, she came into her element.

She won so often that she had the nickname of “Cheater.” To be fair, she wasn’t the only one in her group with that nickname. The players could be ruthless, but the goal was to have fun much more than to win (at least that’s what they tell you).

Judy is survived by her four children: Mike Hill (Judy), David Hill (Kathy), Tracy Frontz (Travis), and Daryl Hill, plus her nine grandchildren: Jeremy Hill (Brit Wirth), Evan Hill, Logan Natello, Connolly Natello, Maria “Mia” Natello, Cate Hill (Micah), Charlyn Riggs, Emerson Hill, and Claire Hill.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Family visitation will be at 12:30 PM, and friends’ visitation will be at 1:00 PM. There will be no graveside service.

Judy requests that everyone wear “cool, colorful, comfortable clothes.” She didn’t request this specifically, but it would be fun to wear purple, if you have it.

Her family would greatly appreciate it if you could bring a card or note with a memory or two that you have of Judy. Also, in lieu of flowers, Judy asked if you would donate to Blanket Fort Hope, a one-of-a-kind home for girls who have been trafficked. You can find out more about the organization at http://www.BlanketFortHope.org. Go to [http://www.BlanketFortHope.org. Go to https://blanketforthope.kindful.com/?campaign=1338047 or scan the QR code below to donate in Mom's name. https://blanketforthope.kindful.com/?campaign=1338047 to donate in Judy's name.