Ann Hill

Ann Lazonby Hill died peacefully at her home on April 22, 2022. She is survived by her daughter, Grace Hill Smith; son-in-law, Campbell Smith; three grandchildren, Hugh, Campbell, and Clare; and her brother, Joseph Lancelot Lazonby, Jr.

Ann was the daughter of the late Joseph Lancelot Lazonby and the late Shirley Bishop Lazonby. Born July 26, 1937, she was a lifelong resident of Gainesville, FL. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1955 and began her college years at Florida State University, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She returned home in 1957 to attend the University of Florida, graduating with a B.A. in 1959. She taught Kindergarten and first grade at J.J. Finley Elementary for more than a decade. Ann married Dr. Hugh “Smiley” Hill on January 29, 1972, the culmination of a long courtship and the beginning of a more than 33-year marriage marked by an abiding love and respect for each other.

Ann embodied the meaning of her name: “gracious.” Her kindness, generosity, and warmth were ever-present, and both strangers and friends alike received the benefit of her grace and compassion. She was an unassuming and quiet force, indefatigable in her love and support of her entire family. They all turned to her for advice, words of wisdom, recipes, a perfectly-timed sense of humor, and stability; for her patience and willingness to listen until any burden was eased.

In lieu of flowers, Ann would wish that donations be made in her memory to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (100 N.E. 1st Street, Gainesville).

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (100 N.E. 1st Street, Gainesville).