Claire Johnston Hill

Claire Johnston Hill never met a stranger. Her life was graced with warm hospitality, lifelong friendships, and abiding love for her family. She was born September 27, 1930, to Carl and Edna Johnston. She was raised in Greenville, Illinois, with her siblings Bob and Barbara. In 1949 she married the Reverend Peter Hill. After pastoral stints in Greenville, Los Angeles, and East Peoria, Illinois, Claire, Peter, and their children moved to Mansfield, Pa., where Peter began a 25-year career teaching economics at Mansfield University. Claire and Peter raised their six children and Claire still found time to devote herself to First Baptist Church of Mansfield.

Claire’s lifelong faith found expression in her open-hearted care for others. Her home was always open to anyone – to stay for a meal or for a year. The Hill house was home to countless Mansfield college students, international exchange students, random bicyclists, and others who needed shelter.

An avid reader, Claire assumed the job of librarian at the Mansfield Public Library in 1967 and held that position until 1984. In 1977 she and Peter moved to England for a year, where Peter taught at Ealing College. Claire loved to travel and returned to England several times through the years.

An active member of First Baptist Church of Mansfield, Claire found various ways to serve. She taught Sunday School, participated in various committees and leadership positions and, with Peter, was active in prison visitation.

In the 1980’s Claire was elected to serve on the national board of the American Baptist Convention. She embraced the experience wholeheartedly and chaired the international missions board for several years. Her involvement at the national level allowed her opportunities to travel around the world as an ambassador of the church. She traveled throughout Europe as well as Russia, Central America, and the United States. She made friends everywhere she went.

Claire died on March 3, 2025, while a resident of Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro, Pa. She was predeceased by Peter who died in 2003.

She is survived by her six children, Ruthellen Phillips, Anne Hill, Rick (Ronnee) Hill, Jeff (Susan) Hill, Kim (Maggie) Hill, and Mike (Gayle) Hill; as well as 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Country Terrace and Broad Acres for the love and kindness they showed Claire. Memorial gifts honoring Claire would be welcome at Mansfield Free Public Library, 71 N. Main St., Mansfield, Pa 16933 and Mansfield First Baptist Church, Sherwood and N. Main St, Mansfield, Pa 16933. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, Pa is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.