January 15, 2026, 84, Goldsboro – Gladys Ila Odom Hill (Ila), 84, entered into eternity to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Johnston County on March 14, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John Smith Odom and Carrie Worley Odom.
In addition to her parents, Ila was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 55 years, William Ray Hill; and siblings, Ruth Bizzell, Melvin Odom, Ray Odom, and Peggy Radford.
A woman of strong faith, Ila was a devoted member of The First Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Her faith guided her life and was evident in the care and compassion she showed to others.
Family was the greatest joy of Ila’s life. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was always centered on those she loved. To most, she was endearingly known as “Granny”—a title she wore proudly. She was a constant source of love, encouragement, and togetherness.
For many years, Ila built a respected career at First Citizens Bank, where she was known for her professionalism, strong work ethic, and warm personality. After her time at the bank, she went on to work alongside her husband at Hill’s Tire & Auto, where the two shared not only a business but a partnership rooted in love and mutual support.
Ila delighted in traveling, especially when those adventures were shared with her family. Ila traveled the world with her late husband and love of her life, Ray, and was always ready to take a trip whenever she had the chance. Whether on a trip or at home, her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people she loved most.
Ila is survived by her children, Janet Hill Mitchell and husband, Lee, Phyllis Hill Johnson and husband, Greg, and Johnny Hill and wife, Jamie; grandchildren, Heather Evans and husband, Brian, Ashley Mozingo and husband, Jason, Gregory Johnson and wife, Kaitlin, Lauren Johnson Nichols and husband, Spencer, Jasper Hill, Chloe Taylor and husband, Michael, and Cody Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Weston Evans, Kensley Evans, Paislee Mozingo, Keely Mozingo, Brynlee Mozingo, Colton Mozingo, and Ella Grace Johnson; siblings, Elizabeth Radford, James Odom and wife, Marie, and Brenda Gurley; and cherished brother-in-law and sister-in-law HJ and Annette Hill.
Ila will be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of family, and the joy she brought into every room. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A service to celebrate Ila’s life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Rose officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Interment services will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be sent to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Ct, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to The First Church 1100 The First Church Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27534 in memory of Ila.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
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