The family of Leona Gurley Franklin Hill announces with deep sorrow her peaceful passing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, Maryland.
Leona Gurley Franklin Hill was born on November 23, 1937, in Fortsville, Grand Bassa County, Liberia. She was a devoted woman of faith, family, and service. She was a longtime member of Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia, Liberia, where she was among the first women ordained as deacons. After relocating to the United States, she continued her faithful service as a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and later West Hyattsville Baptist Church in Hyattsville, Maryland.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Annie Harmon; Winston Azzam (Rita); Emmett L. Dunn; Suan J. Dunn; Almarie Hill; Marilyn Hill-Goodridge; James Hill (Lynn); Evelyn Mayatu Hill; Leona Freeman (Momolu); and Henry Dubon Hill; along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Amarie Franklin and Jennie Franklin Parson, her devoted caregiver Ms. Margaret Proctor, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon James H. E. Hill, Sr., and two children, Elaine Dunn and Johnathan R. Campbell, Jr.
Funeral Arrangements
Viewing: Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Funeral Service: Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Alfred Street Baptist Church
301 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia
