Gloria Nancy Elnora Houtman Hill, a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and servant of her community, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from the union of the late Doris Cleone Joseph and the late Henry "Bim" Houtman. She entered eternal rest after a long, full, and beautifully lived life.
A proud graduate of New Bedford High School, Gloria continued her education at Morgan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She later received her Master of Arts in Rehabilitative Counseling from Assumption College. Dedicated to helping others, she began her career with the State Welfare Department and later the Department of Social Services. Throughout forty-two years of service, she worked as both a social worker and a supervisor, touching countless lives with her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
Gloria's love for music, singing, and dance began early. As a middle school student, she was selected for the National Children's Choir and performed in New York-an achievement she remembered fondly, especially the joy of her parents traveling by bus to hear her sing. She studied dance throughout her childhood, learned to play the piano and as a teen, often played at church to earn extra money. Her musical gifts became an essential part of her adult life, as she served for many years as choir director and organist at Bethel AME Church in New Bedford, MA. She later sang with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Community Gospel Choir and, in the 1980s, performed throughout the city as part of a gospel group formed by her friends.
Service to others was central to Gloria's life. While in college, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Delta Chapter of Morgan State University. She was an esteemed member of the Order of the Eastern Star, was a Past Worthy Matron of J.W. Hood Chapter #12 in New Bedford and a Past Worthy Grand Matron of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Massachusetts, Inc. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isis. Within the New Bedford community, Gloria contributed her time as a member of the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities, the Board of the West End Nursery, and the Martha Briggs Educational Club.
In her later years, Gloria moved to Columbia, Maryland, where she lived with her daughter Melanie and granddaughter Olivia. She became a member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, joyfully singing with the Chancellor Choir and Women's Day Choir. Surrounded by family, music, and faith, she continued to inspire and uplift those around her.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Doris Houtman; her sister, Joyce Houtman Levias; and her niece, Cheryl Lynn Willis. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Melanie Hill-Irby of Columbia, MD, and Jason H. Hill (Lauren) of New Bedford, MA; grandchildren Olivia Irby of Columbia, MD, and Sebastian and Arden Hill of New Bedford, MA; nephew William (Tracey) Leary of New Bedford; great-niece Taaureane (Jonathan) Paquette of Taunton, MA; former husband Richard Hill Jr. of Palm Coast, FL; and brother-in-law Ray Levias of Seattle, WA. She is also lovingly remembered by her stepsons Richard, Ronald, Rodney, and Rex Hill, as well as a host of extended family, friends, church members, and sorority sisters.
Gloria's legacy is one of faith, service, kindness, and song. Her life touched many, and her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Her visiting hour will be Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 10-11AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her service in the Funeral Home at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery.