Dr. Mary F. Hills, the always sassy, classy, and strong-willed independent woman, went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 23, 2023.

Dr. Mary F. Hills accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was committed to the Lord in mind and spirit until death. Mary was born on March 9, 1943, in Mobile, AL, to Henry Jones and Meta Deas Hughes Thomas Jones. both deceased. Mary was the middle of five children, Alletta, Winston, Henry “Mike,” and Stanley.

Mary came from a family of educators, which she thought would be her destiny. After completing her studies at Alabama State, she attended Hunter’s Business College in New York City. However, during a visit to some friends in Cleveland, Ohio, her career goals changed, and she decided to call Cleveland home. Mary enrolled in a Master/PhD program at La Salle University where she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy.

It was in Cleveland, Ohio, where she met Calvin L. Hills and was United in marriage, which created a blended family of four children Erik D. Hills, Vincent S. Hills, Michelle Hooker, and Pamela Hills Williams.

Mary had a passion for travel. Her passion took her places throughout the world. She enjoyed the freedom of getting into a car, plane, or train and discovering new places and new cultures.

Mary was the first African American female over the Product Identification Department at the Sherwin Williams Company, where she worked for many years. Mary decided to take another direction in life and responded to a questionnaire from the Federal Government to share her ideas regarding substance abuse. She recommended that training, at no or minimal cost, be provided to individuals and groups certifying them to combat or council drug abusers and that Drug Free Presentations should be made on a regular basis in local schools. Mary took courses, and on one occasion, journeyed to London, England, where she earned other credits and became certified as a Certified Addictive Specialist and National Association Tobacco Addiction Counselor Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

In 2011 she became the vice president of the Black Women’s Political Action Committee, a group that encourages, train, and offer financial support to African American Women seeking a political office. Mary had always advocated promoting affirmative action in the workplace, strengthening the role of women in unions, and to increase the involvement of women in the political and legislative process.

Mary received several prestigious awards throughout the years. Mary was one of four women honored for “Making History While Still Alive.”  In 1987 she was listed in the 97th Congressional Records for Outstanding Leadership; in 1994/1995, the twelfth edition of the World Who’s Who of Women, the sixth edition of the American Biographical Institute’s Two Thousand Notable American Women.

Mary committed many hours working to make a difference and was involved in numerous organizations where she created a legacy of leadership. Her motto was “to give the world the best that you have, and the best will come back to you,” and that power truly concedes nothing without a demand.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Jones, and Meta Deas Hughes Thomas Jones; siblings, Winston & Henry “Mike;” husband, Calvin L. Hills; son, Vincent S. Hills; and grandson, Calvin L. Hills.

In memory she is cherished by her son, Erik D. Hills; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hills; daughters, Pamela Hills Williams, and Michelle Hooker; sister, Alletta Thomas; brother, Stanley Jones; grandchildren, Erik D. Hills II, Vincent K. Hills, Vincent S. Simpson, Byron Woods, Fred Lewis, and Autumn Lewis; and whole host of relatives and friends.