Ralph Hill

Ralph Hill, the second son and second child of Tonie and Ludie Edwards Hill, was born on September 4, 1936, in Kenly, North Carolina.

Ralph was a brother to Braxton Hill, Phillip Ray Hill, Billy Wayne Hill, Josephine Hill Parrish, and Geraldine "Jeri" Hill Lewis.

He was an Army veteran, serving as a Specialist 4 (Sp4) in the U.S. Army. Ralph was a native of Kenly but had made Durham his home since 1966. He built a career as a salesman with Electric Supply Company and was a dedicated member of the Angier Avenue Baptist Church.

Jo Anne Alford, the daughter of Joseph Benjamin Alford and Hazel Victoria Phillips Alford, was born October 1, 1931, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She was joined by younger brother, Joseph Benjamin “Bennie” Alford Jr. and younger sister, Mildred Hales of Kenly, North Carolina.

Affectionately known as "Wiggles," Jo Anne was a vibrant personality who adored all kinds of music, singing, and dancing—activities that earned her the lively nickname. She was renowned for her giving and loving nature, coupled with a spunky and sweet disposition that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Before her marriage to Ralph, Jo Anne had two sons from a previous marriage to Earldean Jackson: Dean Jackson Jr. in 1956, and Daniel Charles Jackson in 1959.

Ralph and JoAnne were united in marriage. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Victoria Lynn Hill, in 1964.

In her younger years, Jo Anne worked as a nurse in a local doctor's office in Kenly. After moving to Durham, she dedicated many years to volunteering at the cancer clinic at Durham Regional Hospital and at the Veterans Hospital. Jo Anne was a faithful member of Angier Avenue Baptist Church in Durham for over 40 years, where she actively contributed by teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and participating in numerous committees and church activities.

Ralph passed away at the age of 60 on Sunday, June 8, 1997, in Durham Regional Hospital, following a lengthy illness. He is buried in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Durham, Durham County, North Carolina.

In her later years, Jo Anne lived at Carolina Beach with her daughter and son-in-law, attending First Baptist Church of Carolina Beach. Jo Anne passed away at the age of 85 on Monday, September 11, 2017. JoAnne is laid to rest beside Ralph in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Durham.

Ralph and Jo Anne built a life together marked by dedication to their family, community, and faith, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth that touched many lives.