Barbara Jean Hill's Obituary
Barbara Jean was born as Maureen Long on August 4, 1932, in Dallas, Texas. She was adopted by William T. and Leona Coston, and her name was changed to Barbara Jean. As the daughter of a minister, Barbara's childhood was filled with moves to different communities, but it was during a chapter in Kansas that she met Theodore Franklin Hill, Jr.-or T.F.-when he relocated for a job in radio.
Barbara and T.F. were married in 1953 in a ceremony held at her father's church. Through the years, Ted came to affectionately call her "Cupcake." Together, they embarked on a journey through life that included multiple moves across the country, all while raising their four boys: David, Mike, Richard, and Ted. (Bless her heart!)
Through all our lives, we are challenged with hardships, and Barbara was no exception. She was an infant baby placed for adoption at birth, and at times, she struggled with the reasons why. A blessing from her adoption came in the year 2011 when Barbara, at 78 years old, discovered she had a half-sister, and they met for the first time. In Barbara's early life, she lost both of her parents in an automobile accident when she was a young mother at the age of 26, she lost her youngest son, infant John Mark, as well. She and Ted also lived through two floods. She overcame these struggles with the love of her family but most importantly, her faith in Jesus and the joy within her heart. Despite any troubles she may have had, she would encourage others and herself by saying, "We just have to do the best we can." She carried herself with strength, grace, and often humor. Her family would lovingly refer to her as "the laughing nanny."
As T.F. pursued his dreams of broadcasting and entrepreneurship, Barbara focused on their home, skillfully managing the busy lives of four sons, even laying out the boys' clothes for school each day in order from oldest to youngest! Barbara consistently provided loving correction to the boys and often reminded them, "I don't always like the things you do, but I will ALWAYS love you." If that didn't work, then she'd use the tried-and-true phrase, "Wait until your dad gets home!" Although Barbara raised all boys, she was later blessed with girls: several granddaughters and great-granddaughters, as well as more grandsons and great-grandsons.
The family lived in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania over the years. During their time in T.F.'s hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma, Barbara worked alongside her husband in managing the family's hamburger restaurant, "Ted's Iceberg." She later joined the Braum's company, always offering customers her warm smile and excellent service just the way she would want to be treated herself. She then served as an attendant on a special needs bus for the Union school district, helping to fulfill her love of helping others, especially those in need.
Barbara had an adventurous spirit, known for hopping on motorcycles and go-karts with her boys and grandchildren. She loved to travel and explore new places but cherished nothing more than the time spent with her family. Her faithfulness, love, and contagious laugh made her a joy to be around. She had a penchant for sweet treats and gave the strongest hugs, even though she barely crossed 5 feet tall. She was genuine, sincere, and unconditionally devoted to her loved ones. When she talked to you, she made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. She'd say, "I'm so happy to get to see you!" Even in her final days, she would shower the workers in long-term care with love and laughter, telling them, "You are beautiful."
Barbara passed away on October 23, 2024, in Broken Arrow at the age of 92. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in her family, who will continue to honor her memory and strive to live up to her challenge of always doing their best.
She is survived by:
Half-sister, Sarah Scales of Orange, Texas.
Son, David Hill of Tulsa, and his daughter: Deborah Cotter and husband Randy and their children, Aiden, Jacob, and Joy of Owings Mills, MD.
Son, Mike Hill, and wife Tania of Broken Arrow, and their family: daughter, Tisha, and her children, Isaiah and Abigail of Choctaw, OK; son, Tim, and his wife, Carla, and their sons, Brooks and Elliot of Bartlett, KS.
Son, Richard Hill of Waco, TX, and his family: son, Brian, and his wife, Jenni, and their son, Kaden of Waco, TX; daughter, April, and wife, Kristen Sanders, and her daughter, Jaxyn of Cresson, TX; son, Steven, and his wife, Taylor, of Waco, TX; and son, Christopher of Waco, TX.
Son, Dr. Ted Hill, and wife Irene of Bixby, and their family: daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Michael King, and their children, Ruby, Elsie, and John of Jenks, OK; daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Ryan Harrigan, and their daughter, Morgan, with McKenna on the way, of Chesapeake, VA; and son, Kevin Hill of High Point, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, Ted Hill, and an infant son, John Mark.
Barbara's legacy of love, faith, and laughter will be cherished by all who knew her, and she will live on in us as we take that part of her with us throughout our lives. Thanks, Barbara, for giving us your best!
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