"Hondey" Elizabeth Blanton Hill McAlmon

“Hondey” Elizabeth Blanton Hill McAlmon, 95, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025. Her children held her hands and surrounded her with love, as she transitioned to the beautiful light that she had experienced many years earlier.

Hondey was born at Masonic Hospital in El Paso, Texas on July 13, 1930, to “Jack” John Francis Hill Sr. and Grace Hawkins Hill. Just days after her birth, her brother tried to call her his “little honey,” but in his young voice, it came out as “Hondey” – a nickname that stayed with her for life. She was a third generation El Pasoan by way of her grandparents, William Broaddus Hawkins and “Lena” Magdalena Wicker Blanton Hawkins. Lena founded Hawkins Dairy with one cow in 1902 – a proud family legacy that continued until its sale to Farmers Dairy in 1954. Hondey grew up near her beloved Memorial Park and Pool and attended Crocket Elementary and Austin High. After graduating from Texas Western College (UTEP) in 1952, Hondey worked at KTSM during its thrilling transition from radio to television – a groundbreaking time in broadcasting history that she remembered with excitement.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1953, she married civil rights attorney, George Alexander McAlmon Jr. Together, they raised their four children, Alex, Johnny, Lisa, and Annie; and taught them to address all people with dignity, kindness, and respect. Without any doubt, their children were their favorite people to be around. During their marriage, they were devoted to making El Paso a better place. They were known to host big political parties in their backyard each year – and to make the best Bloody Mary’s at each Labor Day Breakfast. They were married for 57 years when George passed away in 2010.

One of our favorite family stories is from when George and Hondey lived atop Mt. Franklin. From their balcony, they were eye level with passing helicopters. Hondey would dash outside, waving her arms enthusiastically to say hello. One pilot would often notice her waving and toot his horn at her. That was always the highlight of her day.

Hondey smiled with her eyes, and the twinkle in them made everyone feel instantly welcome. She had a gift for conversation and made friends effortlessly. She adored her nephews, nieces, and all her children’s friends as if they were her own. Her home was a haven, and everyone knew the kitchen door was always open. Throughout her life, she lovingly cared for all the family elders. She was fiercely loyal and compassionate.

Hondey knew the lyrics to hundreds of songs, including Mariachi songs. She also loved to dance, and her favorite dance partner was her dear friend, Alejandro Duran. She was a graceful swimmer, and was the ultimate mermaid, who taught each of her children how to swim as infants. Hondey was also a big fan of the UTEP track meets and she would occasionally sponsor some of the women’s races. She was an avid reader and loved her Book Club friends. Her day was not complete until she solved all the puzzles in the daily newspapers – including the Sunday New York Times. She learned to use a computer before most of her own children, and the internet opened her world. She had a passion for astrology and would alert the family to the upcoming sky events.

Hondey was an Episcopalian and her faith was strong. She was a member of the El Paso County Historical Society, Junior Leage of El Paso, Las Comadres, League of Women Voters and Pan American Round Table.

Hondey was preceded in death by her husband George; her son, “Alex” George Alexander McAlmon III; her brother, John Francis Hill Jr.; daughter-in-law, “Jackie” Jaclyn Helene Soloff McAlmon; nephew, John Kelly Pool; and her Hawkins cousins, William “Bill” Jr., John, Virginia and Hugh.

Hondey is survived by her children, John Francis McAlmon, “Lisa” Elizabeth Grace McAlmon Brown (Stephen), and “Annie” Ann Moore McAlmon Zimmerman (Mark); grandchildren, Raven Shakti Garuda, John Alexander McAlmon and Payton Grace McAlmon; sister-in-law, Katharine McAlmon Pool; ex-daughter-in-law, Meredith Wade McAlmon; Alex’s life-partner, Barbara Ellis; nephews and nieces, John Kenton Hill (Marcia), Brian Silveus Hill (Vicky), Carol Hill Gonzales (Mike), Alexander McGavock Hill (Chelsea), Richard F. Pool (Lucie) and Marilen Pool; and cousins, Stuart McAlmon Hutson, Victoria E. Hawkins, Janice B. Hawkins, William W. Hawkins, Vivian Ann Hawkins Hornor, Priscilla Jane-Kerr Smith, Leslie E. Smith Fazio and Timothy K. Anderson.

The family would like to thank all the incredible earth angels, who assisted Hondey with kindness and grace over the past 8 years. Special thanks to Maurico Perez at Harmony Sun City Care Assisted Living; Heidy at Caring Senior Service; nurses Erin Curry and Willie Olmstead at Tender Care Home Health & Hospice; and to Dr. Gregory Martin and Dr. Patricia Lopez-Po.

In the Spring of 2026, when the desert poppies are blooming and the Rio Grande is flowing high; a private family service will be held. Hondey’s ashes will be buried along-side her parents at Evergreen Cemetery on Alameda, and some of her ashes will be scattered with her son Alex’s.

We will carry our dear Hondey’s love in our hearts forever – as she will remind us that she “loves us more”.