Gwendolyn Diane Hill

Gwendolyn Diane (Woodson) Hill was born on September 11, 1961. As the youngest child of Annie Mae Johnson and Grady Woodson, with six older siblings, she entered this world surrounded by love and laughter. Raised in Weimar, Texas by her grandmother, affectionately known as “Mama Rosezena,” Gwendolyn would spend her childhood in a small, tight-knit community where everyone supported, looked after, and depended on one another. This setting would lay the foundation for Gwendolyn’s legacy as a woman known for her love of family, community, hard work, and leadership through service. She was a devoted daughter, beloved wife, cherished mother, nurturing friend, and dedicated nurse who left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

As an adolescent, Gwendolyn Diane matriculated through the Weimar Public School system and was an active youth member of Greater Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Much like her father and grandmother, she was a well-known member of her community who rarely met a stranger she didn’t turn into a friend. She was naturally athletic and creative and expressed these gifts on the volleyball court, through her scrapbooking, and at church as a praise and worship team member.

At the age of 16, Gwendolyn Diane moved to Houston, Texas, and began attending James Madison High School. She graduated from Madison in 1980 and would go on to study nursing at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). In 1981, she was crowned Nursing Queen of the International Nursing Association and recognized as an honors student in the National Dean’s list.

Gwendolyn Diane began her career in nursing in 1982 as a hospital floor nurse. Soon after, she shifted to private home health care which allowed her to build deeper connections with her patients. She made a tremendous difference in the lives of the families and patients she supported and would often work with families for years, sometimes even decades, caring for their loved ones as her own. Her 33-year-long nursing career was the realization of a dream held since the tender age of five years when she read a children’s book that featured a kind and caring nurse which inspired her interest in serving others the same way.

While at PVAMU, Gwendolyn Diane met Reginald Hill Sr. and the two became college sweethearts. They would unite in marriage on July 8, 1995, and raise three beautiful children together, Miai V. Crosby, Reginald T. Hill II, and Annie L.C. Hill. Gwendolyn Diane’s children were her pride and joy. She was a firm, supportive, and engaged mother who always encouraged her children to be and do their very best. She had high expectations, and yet, she showered her children in unconditional love – a balance only the best of mothers can achieve. Gwendolyn Diane and Reginald were married for 29 years, and Reginald remained steadfast by her side during her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. His commitment to their vows, “in sickness and in health” is a testament to the true and deep love they shared.

Gwendolyn Diane spent the core of her life as a beacon of hope and care in her family and community. When someone was in the hospital, she was there. When a loved one was in need she was there. Whenever a friend called her, she was there. Whether she was offering a kind word, lending a hand, or simply lighting up a room with her unforgettable smile, she consistently embodied grace and generosity.

Gwendolyn Diane transitioned peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Rosezena Fannie Adams Woodson, father, Grady Woodson Jr., mother, Annie Mae Johnson, stepmother, Frankie Woodson, sister, Carolyn Ann Hagger, brother, Herbert Ferguson, nephew, Dameon Johnson, sister-in-law, Glenda Thomas, and brother-in-law, Dwayne Hill.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Reginald T. Hill Sr., her son, Reginald T. Hill II, her daughters, Annie L.C. Hill and Miai Ve’Lyn Crosby (Brandon), her sisters, Rosemary Babineaux (Edward), and Brenda Ganther, her brothers, Jerry Johnson (Linda), Joseph Woodson (Denese), and Harry Woodson (Emily), her stepsister, Ann Lovelady (Fred), her brothers-in-law James Hill (Cynthia), Donald Hill (Jackie), sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Dearion, René Johnson, and Juanice Busby, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, fellow church members, and friends.

While our hearts ache with her loss, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and that her legacy of love, care, and service will continue to inspire us all.

A viewing for Gwendolyn will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5725 Queenston Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. A committal service will occur Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cremations, 21723 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338.

Serving as pallbearers are Reginald Hill II, Alex McGrew, Herman Johnson, Emory Onic, Derrick Anderson, Brandon Crosby, Jerome Hill, Marcus Sheets, Joseph Woodson, Jerry Johnson, Aquila R. McGrew III, Harry Woodson, James Hill and Kent McGrew.