Maxine Hill was born June 20, 1936 to John and Draxie-Hopkins Williams of Pike County, Kentucky in Greasy Creek. Maxine was proceeded in death by her son, Jimmy Leeroy Hill, her Father, John Williams of Pike County, KY, her mother, Draxie Hopkins-Williams of Pike County, Ky, sister, Elva Williams-Spears of Pike County, Ky, brothers, Bobby Williams of Pike County, KY and James Williams of McArthur, OH.

Surviving is her husband of over 59 years, Leeroy Hill of Plainfield, IN, children, Rhonda (Aubrey) Smith of Rensselaer, IN, Teresa (Jerry) Shepherd of Lafayette, IN, Lela (Rick) Miller of Plainfield, IN, Arlie Hill of Plainfield, IN, Pamela (David) Nevrkla of Lafayette, IN and Kisha (Eric) Merkel of Avon, IN.

Also are her grandchildren, Scott (Tracy) Mayfield, Bambi (Patrick) Mills, Shawn Miller, Brandy (Ted) Young, Michelle (Jeff) Smith, Brandon (Connie) Miller, Daniel Fout, Kevin Hill, Kassidy (Stacie) Hill, Karlie Hill, Courtney Merkel, Cara Merkel, and Candice Merkel. Also, her great-grandchildren, Leighton Miller, Bailey Mayfield, Dakota Miller, Nathan Hulett, Seth Hulett, Evy Smith, Kayleigh Smith, Emilee Young, Andrew Young, Kyle Miller, Cooper Mills, Brooklyn Mayfield, Elijah Hill, and one on the way.

Also surviving are her brothers, Ira Williams and Sammy Williams of Pike County, KY, Dock (Stella) Williams of East Prairie, MO and a sister, Faye (Dean) Williams-Keene of Pike County, KY. Maxine Williams met Leeroy Hill at the young age of 14 years old. They courted for three years before being married in her parents home on November 12, 1953. They moved to Akron, Ohio to begin their life together. Maxine worked as a waitress while Leeroy worked in the dry-cleaning business.

They had their first child, Rhonda, in December of 1954. Teresa was born in July of 1956, Lela was born in 1958, Jimmy Leeroy was born in March of 1961 and deceased shortly after. Maxine and Leeroy received Jesus as Lord and Savior just prior to Jimmy's birth in January of 1961 in Canal Fulton, Ohio at a revival at Mountain Assembly Church of God. Maxine and Leeroy with their children then moved to Hammond, IN as Leeroy began work at Blawknox Machine and Foundry of East Chicago.

It was there that Leeroy and Maxine were called into the ministry to pioneer a church and were assisted by John and Sally Burnett to become pastors of Pentecostal Church of God in Hammond, IN in September 1962. In June of 1963, they had another son, Arlie Hill, a daughter, Pamela in 1965. Years later, had another daughter, Kisha in 1974. Maxine loved children and it showed not only in how many children she bore, but in the ministry as well. When she was younger, she loved to teach Sunday School.

She never passed up the chance to give babies and children hugs. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She filled our home with love and taught us all to love one another unconditionally. She taught us how to forgive. She was a great role model of how to be the best companion and mother. Although she was quiet, we as children would often hear her praying at home for her family, children and church. She was very playful. She loved card games and would most often win.

Everyone would want to partner with her because of that! She loved attention from her husband and it wasn't unusual for her to discreetly sneak a kiss or hold his hand. She also had a deep love for her son-in-laws. She referred to them as her "sons". Maxine had a quiet spirit, very modest and very strong in her faith. She was a great companion to her husband and stood by him in their ministry together for over 45 years.

She took pride in being a wife, being a stay at home mother for most of her life, took pride in all of her children and in supporting her husband in their ministry. She helped her husband pastor two churches, in Hammond, IN for over 20 years, and again at Pentecostal Church of God in Lafayette, IN for over 25 years. She had a gentle and sweet way of sharing her faith with family, friends and strangers.

In the past two years, they served together as Care Pastors here in Indianapolis, IN at Bethel Family Worship Center. She was a prayer warrior and enjoyed the Intercessory Prayer time on Monday evenings with her husband and the church family. She was a mother not only her own family, but to the church family as well. She was humble yet had such confidence and strength. Maxine Hill has left a legacy. Her influence has touched so many lives in her family, church and communities where she has lived.

We are all better because of her prayers, support and love she showed to all of us. She will forever be in our hearts. As Proverbs 31:28 says, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

Maxine Hill

June 20, 1936 - January 01, 2013

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