Mary Juliette Hill

Mary Ruth Juliette Hill went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2023, after a 4-year battle with breast cancer. A devout Christian, she gave God the glory for each new day, smiling victoriously throughout her journey. She was 84 when she transitioned. An Atlanta native, Juliette, as she was called by everyone, was born at Grady Hospital. She was the eldest of five children born to Samuel Floyd Gleaton and Mary Ruth Clemmons Gleaton. Her father, a minister and porter, owned several properties throughout metro Atlanta. As a result, the family moved to various communities in Atlanta. For Juliette, however, the place she called the family home was their house on Osborn Street, near Fort McPherson Army base. Juliette graduated from Price High School. She attended Clark Atlanta College, where she met her soulmate for life, Athaniel Hill Jr., who had served in the Korean War before returning home to the U.S. to go to college. He was attracted to her beautiful smile and vivacious personality. She was attracted to his kind, gentle manner. Athaniel and Juliette were married on June 14, 1959. They had six children—two daughters and four sons-- and were married 54 years. Juliette worked many years as an educator for the Atlanta Public Schools system. She also worked as a home health aide and social worker. The job she loved most, however, was that of being a mother. She adored her children, disciplined them, and made it clear that she expected them to study, excel, and go to church. Juliette’s love for God, motherhood and her family were the subjects of many of the poems, affirmations and essays that she wrote as a published author. She was inspired by her mother and aunts, who were writers and poets. Juliette received many awards for her work. Among them the International Society of Poets award in 1992 and 1993; the World of Poetry award in 1985, 1986 and 1989; and the Celebrate Educators Poets Award in 2002. In addition to her passion for poetry, Juliette loved singing soprano at church. Athaniel sang bass. She and Athaniel were added to the body at the West End Church of Christ in 1985. After moving to Decatur years later, they transferred their membership to Moreland Avenue Church of Christ, where they remained faithful members. Juliette and Athaniel developed many friendships with neighbors, members of their church and the East DeKalb Senior Center in Lithonia. They were known for hosting holiday dinners and other get-togethers at their home. Even as the pans of food emptied with a packed house, Mama Hill would say with delight, “Come on in. We got plenty.” What she meant was she had plenty of love. Her family, meanwhile, scrambled to divide portions and plate desserts and appetizers into appealing arrangements until everyone was fed. As Athaniel battled diabetes in his later years, Juliette was vigilant in caring for him until he passed away at the age of 80 in 2013. In addition to her husband, Juliette was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Romeo, who died as a child, and Corinthyn Gleaton; and a sister, Timothy White. Juliette leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Valerie J. Morgan (Glenn), and Cassandra Johnson (Charles); her sons, Athaniel, III, David, Benjamin and Richard; her goddaughter, Laquetta Butler; her only surviving sibling, Eloise C. Gleaton; seven grandchildren: Myles Morgan (Shalae), Mackenzie Morgan, Brandon and Adonis Hill, Shantel Hill, David Hill and Dejanai Hill; great-granddaughters Amelia Luna Brown, Paityn Taylor and Savannah Richardson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tributes

Mary Juliette Hill

January 6, 1939 - January 2, 2024