Jethro was born in El Paso, Texas on January 18, 1951 to Jethro Sr. and Frances Hills. Jethro was a student athlete and graduated from Austin High School in 1969. During this time, Jethro loved playing basketball. His love of the game would continue throughout his entire life. Jethro played ball at the University of Texas at El Paso (“UTEP”) and graduated from UTEP with a degree in Elementary Education in 1974. After obtaining his degree, Jethro began working at Guillen Middle School, kickstarting his thirty-nine year teaching and coaching career.
In 1977, he fell in love with Diane and married her in 1982. Diane had a son from a previous marriage, so Jethro was immediately blessed with both a wife and son, Newstell “Chuck”, from this union. In the years to come, Jethro and Diane added two daughters, Patrice and Michelle, to their family. Although very stoic, Jethro was a kind and loving partner to his wife, and a dedicated father to his three children. In 1995, Patricia Davis returned home to El Paso and he developed a bond with her two children, Matthew and Linda. Their bond served as another source of joy for Jethro.
In 2005, he retired from the public school system and began teaching and coaching at Radford School until his full retirement in 2013. Jethro enjoyed nature, loved crossword puzzles and sudoku, felt at home while camping and hiking, and delighted in researching his family’s history. In the early years of his retirement, Jethro spent his time with his mother and enjoyed driving her to various civic and social endeavors. Jethro had several pets throughout his life; he was especially close with Tica, Hema, and Sasha.
In 2014, Jethro was diagnosed with early-onset Lewy Body Dementia, a devastating disease that includes symptoms related to Parkinson’s Disease. As his disease progressed, he continued to be supported by his steadfast friend, Derek Moore, and found a new friend in his long-time caregiver, Ruben De Santos, Jr.
Jethro is survived by his spouse, Diane Hills; his son Newstell "Chuck" Laney Jr. (Danielle Tinsley); his daughter Patrice Marie Hills; and his daughter Michelle Marie Camper (Patrick Camper); his mother Frances Grundy Hills and his honorary mother in law Suki Holley; his sister Patricia Marie Davis and his brother William "Bill" Hills (Frannessa Hills); his granddaughter Dominique Davis-Hart, his grandson Donovan Laney, his grandson Deven Laney, his grandson Cameron Camper, his grandson Carter Camper, his niece Alicia Dorsey (Tommy Dorsey), his nephew Malcolm Turner, his nephew Matthew Davis (Barinua "Bee" Davis) and his life long friend Derek Moore.
Jethro was preceded in death by his father Jethro Lee Hills Sr; his niece Linda Davis.
Visitation for Jethro will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, 401 S. Virginia, El Paso, Texas. 79901. Committal service to follow at 1:00 PM at Evergreen East Cemetery, 12400 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79938.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Hills family.
