Gloria Hill-Ward, 41, died May 22, with her family by her side in San Francisco.
She was born June 5, 1969, in Blythe to Virginia Stevens and Coy Hill. She attended Merced High School and continued her education at Merced Community College, graduating in 2009 with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Gloria worked as a certified nursing assistant for 24 years, and as a home health aide, where she met so many wonderful friends. She was a church member of Holy Ground Ministry in Turlock. Her interests included family, singing, music, gardening, sewing and reading. She devoted much of her time and energy to her daughter, Bethany, and family members.
Gloria Hill-Ward is survived by her daughter, Bethany Kay Ann Ward of Merced; mother, Virginia Stevens of Merced; sisters, Etta (Brown) Reed of Fresno, Tanya Nichols of Merced, Thelma J. Juniel-Taylor of Merced and Sandra Dee Juniel of Merced; nieces, Rashan Turner of Fresno and Jessica Meredith of Merced; nephews, Matthew Mills of Fresno, Seffen Malu of Merced, Michael Juniel of Merced, Mereme Juniel of Merced, Christopher Nichols of Merced and Jonathan Taylor of Merced; ex-husband,  Joe A. Ward, Sr.; and many special friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Coy Hill.
Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, with the funeral to follow at 3 p.m., at Allen Mortuary.
Condolences may be sent to 3115 Meadows Ave. Apt 39, Merced, CA 95348.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.