Jean Hill

Emma Jean Owen Hill

Jean Hill, 85, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado, in the presence of family and friends.

Born to the late Lamar and Mary (Davis) Owen in Pine Bluff and raised in Grady, Jean went on to graduate from of the University of Arkansas. Her degree supported her talents for fashion design and creation, but she ultimately found her calling as a teacher after marrying her husband Bob in 1961. She was dedicated to supporting her students both in and out of the classroom, and took great care to instill in them a love of science as well as conscientiousness and the importance of maintaining high standards. She didn't neglect her creative side, though, as she used her design and sewing skills to create costumes for Harrison Academy of Dance Arts performances, her daughter's wedding dress, and other cherished keepsakes. Jean will also be remembered for her many thoughtfully coordinated outfits, often featuring themed brooches, as well as her beautiful, impeccably styled white hair.

A tireless worker, she was immensely proud of having helped design and build the home she and Bob lived in together for more than 50 of their 62 years together. She spent countless happy hours tending their bountiful gardens, orchard, and myriad flowers, shrubs, and trees. Over the years she adopted a variety of cats and kittens to keep her beloved dogs company, and she doted on all of them. After her retirement from Harrison Junior High School in 2000, she continued to satisfy her curiosity about the world by enjoying tours and cruises with Bob and a travel group of other retired teachers to many countries on four continents.

Jean was loved and will be greatly missed by those who survive her, including her daughter Gina Hill Mooney and husband Dave of Golden, Colo.; granddaughter Emma Claridge and husband Kent of Lakewood, Colo.; grandson Dashiell Mooney of Newport Beach, Calif.; niece LaDell LaRue and husband Joe of Lakeview, Ark; and other family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert A. (Bob) Hill, her sister Linda Ellis, and her brother Danny Owen.

She will be interred with her family in Star City at a later date.