M'Ellen Hill

06/06/1954 – 05/20/2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of M'Ellen Hill, cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, in her family home in Kingwood, Texas. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of nearly 47 years, Jerel Johnston Hill, and by her brother, Don Hering.

M'Ellen was born on June 6, 1954, and was raised in Houston, Texas by her parents, Mary Ellen (Chapman) Hering and Woodrow Hering. As a child, she traveled extensively with her family and developed a lifelong love of animals and adventure. Her childhood included an assortment of unusual pets ranging from horses to skunks and snakes. She also treasured memories of summers spent with extended family, enjoying fresh peaches from family orchards and homemade peach ice cream.

After graduating from high school, M'Ellen attended Texas A&M University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She later joined Gulf Interstate Engineering Company in Houston, where she met the love of her life, Jerel Johnston Hill. What began as a workplace connection soon blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They married on July 30, 1979, and built a life grounded in family, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to one another.

M'Ellen played a significant role in helping Jerel build and grow his law practice before focusing her time on raising their two children, James and Julia. Together, she and Jerel cultivated a life defined by family traditions, memorable travels, and a shared commitment to caring for others. Family trips to Walt Disney World became beloved memories during the children's youth, and in later years, M'Ellen and Jerel enjoyed many annual visits to St. Thomas.

Animals occupied a special place in M'Ellen's heart throughout her life. Together, M'Ellen and Jerel fostered and cared for many dogs, treating each one as a cherished member of the family. Their shared love of animals also inspired their support of veterinary education and other charitable causes. Beyond these larger acts of generosity, M'Ellen demonstrated kindness in countless everyday ways that often went unnoticed except by those fortunate enough to receive it.

M'Ellen is survived by her son, James Hill, and his wife, Lauren, of Austin, Texas; her daughter, Julia Hill, and her husband, David Hauser, of San Diego, California; and many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to her devoted housekeeper and companion, Sarah Cabrera; the compassionate caregivers of Seniors Helping Seniors Kingwood; and the many healthcare professionals, friends, and family members whose care, presence, and support brought comfort to M'Ellen and allowed her to remain peacefully at home.

A memorial service will be held on June 26, 2026, at 11 am at Darst Funeral Home, 700 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society or the Houston SPCA.