Leahnora Turner Hill, of Newton, Massachusetts, was born to the late George and Hollie (Alston) Turner of June 23, 1924 in Warren County, North Carolina. She was the fourth of thirteen children. Lee departed this life on June 3, 2016 at the age of 91.
The family moved to Newton, when Lee was six years old. She received her education in the Newton Public School system, graduating from Newton North High School in the class of 1942. Upon graduation, Lee began working at Raytheon Corporation 1948, when she married the late Walter Leroy Hill. She traveled with him while he served in the US Navy to Italy, Turkey, Greece, Africa, Austria, Switzerland, France and lastly to Germany, where their family grew, with the addition of their children, Gerald and Cyndi. After Walter retired from the Navy, they continued to travel to every state in the US, as well as to Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Norway, Holland, England and Spain. During that time, Lee began working for Star Market and remained there until her retirement in 1982.
Lee and Walter also lived in Onset, Massachusetts, for a number of years, where she was able to enjoy her many hobbies of fishing, gardening, sewing and spending time with her grandchildren.
The historic Myrtle Baptist Church of West Newton, MA was a very important part of her life, as she grew up in the house next door. Lee was baptized at MBC at an early age and has always been a faithful servant to the church. She was ordained as a Deaconess in 1967; received the award for Outstanding Lay Woman in 1974; ordained as a Deacon in 1983; and received awards from Church Women United and Andover Newton Theological School. Throughout this time, Lee was also serving as Financial Secretary to the church, a position she held for more than 40 years, earning her the title of “Financial Secretary Emeritus”. Her service to Myrtle and the community has been tireless. On Sunday mornings, she sat on the front pew, sporting a fine “church lady” hat and ensuring order in the church service.
She leaves to mourn her devoted and loved daughter, Cynthia Dailey-Smith (Newton, MA) and daughter-in-law, Judith Hill (Montgomery, VT). She is also survived by her grandchildren; Karin and Michael Dailey (Newton, MA), Precious Hill (St. Johnsbury, VT), Maria Hill-Barnes (Glover, VT) Susan Hill (Montgomery VT), Kasey Hill (Malden, MA) and Jamila Smith (Albany, IN). Great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly include Precious Star Schulze, Morrow Bernard, Apple, Zephyr, Winter and Haven Hill-Barnes, and Samantha Parker-Sullivan. She also leaves two brothers, William “Magee” (Nancy) and Thomas “Tip” (Etheline); four sisters, Ozella Evans, Elizabeth “Cyd” Nichols, Joan Banks (Jesse) and June Lowe (Mr. Harold); as well as a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives and devoted friends. She was predeceased by husband Walter Leroy Hill; her son, Gerald; brothers James, Samuel and Robert; sisters Cornelia Johnson, Candace Haywood and Mary Ellen Ricks; and son-in-law Howard B. Smith.
Remember that face; remember a true “church lady”. Rest in peace.

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