...Let him return to the days of youthful vigor.
-Job 33:25
Obituary
Barbara Ruth Hill fell asleep in death at the age of 86 on May 20, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving children. She was born on January 29, 1939 in Smith County, Mississippi to James and Myrtis Mae Williamson, who named her Bobbie Ruth Williamson, and was the oldest of five sisters and three brothers.
In 1940 her parents, paternal grandmother and two maternal uncles migrated from Mississippi and lived among individuals of Sioux descent on an Indian Reservation in McNary, Arizona. They permanently settled in Richmond, California in 1943. Caring for others became a part of her life early on—not by choice, but by necessity. At just nine years old, she was given the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. Though still a child herself, she met this responsibility with quiet strength and resilience.
During her school years, she also learned the essential homemaking skills of cooking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting—skills that would serve her and her family well throughout her life. After graduating from El Cerrito High School in 1956, she met Robert Dean Hill, and the two were married on October 20, 1958.
Our Momma was incredibly intentional about both our personal and academic growth. She often said that she was raising responsible adults who could take care of themselves, with much or with little. She used her homemaking skills to teach us how to cook, launder and mend our clothes and socks. Each year, she met with our teachers and counselors like a seasoned strategist, determined to chart the best academic path for each of us. She didn’t just rely on report cards, she wanted to know our strengths, our struggles and how to help us grow. She made sure that we had homework assigned to us by our teachers. She even conducted her own homework sessions with the use of a chalkboard and 45-RPM vinyl records. Those sessions were somewhat comical, yet effective in helping us realize our potential. She exposed us to theatre, dance and the arts. She took us on hikes and to nighttime drive-in movies where we often fell asleep well before the movie ended. She also instilled in us the value of morals, respect, honesty and hard work.
After 18 years of working for Alameda County, Barbara retired from her Billing Technician position in order to pursue her gift for providing children with a safe and nurturing environment in which they could thrive to their fullest potential. She thought of and treated the children under her care as her babies. She was considered a lifeline to new and expecting mothers and was truly loved and appreciated by the entire family.
Her spiritual journey began in 1978 when the seeds of Bible truth were first planted in her heart through weekly discussions with Sister Francis Brewer, who was introduced to Barbara by her daughter Marcia. Unfortunately, those discussions ended after Barbara relocated to San Ramon due to challenges in her 20-year marriage.
It took another six years for those seeds of truth to begin germinating. In 1980, Barbara’s youngest daughter, Jacqi, began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. During those Saturday morning studies with Sister Betty Spiller, Barbara would often “just happen” to stroll by on her way to the kitchen, casting a watchful, suspicious eye on Betty. At that time, Barbara wasn’t interested in studying herself—she was only concerned about what her daughter was being taught and determined to ensure that this stranger wasn’t trying to take her daughter away from her.
True to form, to satisfy her curiosity, Barbara conducted her own private investigation. When Jacqi wasn’t home, Barbara began reading her daughter’s Watchtower and Awake magazines. What she read resonated with her. She had occasional Bible discussions with her daughter and even accepted her daughter’s invitation to attend a few meetings. Her initial reaction was asking to be taken home after the Bible talk because although what she heard made sense, they gave her a headache because they made her think, something she admitted she hadn’t done much of at her former church.
She eventually studied the Bible with Betty Spiller and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on January 16, 1986. She attended the Dougherty Hills Congregation (formerly the Dublin Congregation) for over 40 years. Although her circumstances limited what she could do physically, her devotion to true worship never waned. She rarely missed a congregation meeting and consistently looked for opportunities to engage in the ministry. Barbara was deeply cherished for her faithful example, her candid, lively and captivating stories filled with analogies and for her loving generosity.
She had a quiet, but powerful way of encouraging those around her. She kept a running list of those who lost loved ones and a list of the spiritual milestones—not just her own, but those of her spiritual family young and old. Baptisms, first talks, special privileges of service—she remembered and recorded them all. She wept with those who wept and delighted in the growth of others and made sure that they felt seen and appreciated. And, true to the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Barbara actively looked for ways to build others up. Her encouragement often came in the form of a thoughtful, handmade gift—hand-sewn
aprons, hot pads, or quilts; crocheted or knitted slippers, scarves, or cozy afghans. Other times, it came in the form of comfort food—sweet potato pie, beans and links—or simply warm, loving interaction.
But close to her heart were the young. In an entry from her journal dated February 3, 2007, Barbara wrote: “My project for the congregation is to make neck scarfs for all the young boys and girls. I want them to know that I appreciate their presence and
participation in the congregation. I want them to know that I notice their good behavior and love and appreciate them one and all. Our young ones need to know that they are loved and welcomed in the congregation. The world wants to beat them down. I want to lift them up. When you fly a kite, you must lift it up to catch the breeze. I want to lift them up until they catch hold of you, Jehovah.”
While we are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our Momma, we feel blessed to have had her actively present in our lives from birth to adulthood. She was proud of the way she raised us and we are equally proud to have had the privilege of caring for her in her advancing years—ensuring she experienced the same quality of life and nurturing love that she so generously provided to us throughout our lives. We will miss our Momma every day until the day that she is returned to us in the resurrection as promised at Acts 24:15.
Barbara was preceded in death by twin sisters, Pattie Jean and Nattie Jean Williamson; sister Genett Williamson and sister Evelyn Williamson-Carey; brothers Jimmy Williamson and Ernie Williamson; two grandchildren, Micah Hill and Tarrence Darrell Hill.
Barbara leaves to mourn her passing her children, Marcia, Dennis and Jacqueline Hill; grandson Jason Dean Hill; granddaughter, Mya Denise Hill; great-granddaughters, J’Anyce and J’aliya Hill; her sister Delorice Jackson (husband Charles); her half-brother Stanley Williams, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and her vast spiritual family of 40 years.
Details
Order of Service
Chairman: James Goolsby
Opening Announcements
Opening Prayer: Brian Barnes
Reading of Obituary: James Goolsby
Bible Talk: Carl Elam
Interview: Frances Brewer-Consiglio | Ralph Peterson
Song 151: He Will Call
Closing Prayer: Carl Elam
Video Slideshow
ONSITE/OFFSITE PARKING
Parking attendants will be on hand to assist you with efficiently utilizing
onsite parking at the kingdom hall. Due to limited space, carpooling is
highly recommended.
Limited parking is available on Lone Tree Ct.
We kindly ask that you please DO NOT park on Terraced Hills Way.
Overflow parking is available at the Park-n-Ride located near
the corner of Bollinger Canyon Road and San Ramon Valley
Boulevard.
Directions to Park-n-Ride from Kingdom Hall (@1.5 miles):
Left on San Ramon Valley Blvd
Right onto Bollinger Canyon Road
First right into the parking lot.
Complimentary shuttle service is being arranged to be provide
transport guests to and from the Kingdom Hall.
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
When we left the U.S. for Germany, she made the effort to attend our farewell gathering despite the difficulty of climbing the stairs. With the brothers’ help, she still came, a true expression of her love and determination. We keep a picture from that day that means a great deal to us.
Barbara will remain forever in our hearts, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jaquie and the family.
Mijghan
It wasn’t even my door! It was my late daughter Pamela’s door but since she was pregnant and close to delivery I was able to study with a wonderful young lady named Jacqi. Our studies were often the highlight of my week.
Jacqi’s mother Barbara was always kind and polite but rather than giving us privacy at the kitchen table to study Barbara would be busy around the house but never too far away from the study. At the time I was unaware that Barbara was curious of what her daughter was learning and what kind of influence I would be on Jacqi as any good mother would.
Behind the scenes Jacqi was answering her mother’s questions and putting her mind at ease regarding my intentions.
Barbara already had a strong belief in the Bible and a love for God. She was a very good student, if it was in the Bible then she believed it. So with Jehovah’s guidance and help Jacqi and I were honored to see Barbara’s advancement spiritually to water baptism.
Barbara had a generous spirit often going out of her way to make gifts for others. To this day we still use the pot holders she gave us.
She has been a dear friend for 45 years and we look forward to continuing that friendship forever in paradise.
The photos below were taken at mine and Jim’s 60th anniversary party in 2016. Jim wanted to be sure to have a dance with Barbara. ❤️
The other day I was complimented on a shopping bag that I keep in my car. Another gift from Sister Barbara! And it really made me realize how much this beautiful servant of Jehovah follows his example of generosity.
Barbara has always been a solid, constant Witness throughout my whole life in San Ramon/Dublin.
She will be dearly missed until Jehovah brings her back to us.
Jaqi, our hearts stand by you during your grief. May Jehovah help you with all the strength you need. Revelation 21:1-5
Wonderful sister and servant of Jehovah
Beautiful
Arresting
Riveting
Bold
Amiable
Righteous
Amazing
Family tree
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Brother
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Memorial
for your outpouring of love and support during the difficult
loss of our beloved Momma.
Your kind words, thoughtful gestures, and generous spirit
have been a source of great comfort to us. They reflect the
love and admiration you held for our Momma, who—like
Dorcas, a faithful Christian of the first century—was deeply
cherished by her fellow believers because she "abounded in
good deeds and gifts of mercy." (Acts 9:36).
19453 San Ramon Valley Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583
4:00 PM PDT
Password: 026333
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