Joan E. Hill

Joan Elizabeth Hill, 84, of Princeton, New Jersey, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 16, 2026, while in hospice care. She had lived with heart disease for more than a decade.

Born on May 21, 1941, in Princeton, Joan was the daughter of Ellen Macon Hill and Thomas Douglas Hill, Sr., and the third of seven children. Raised in Princeton’s public schools prior to full integration, she was the first in her family to attend college and developed early interests in art, reading, and athletics, earning varsity letters in basketball and track.

Joan attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and later pursued studies at Marshall College and Rutgers University, where she completed certification in Equal Employment Opportunity Studies. Her education laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to civil rights and community advocacy.

That commitment defined her career. Joan served as an administrator with the YM/YWCA of Princeton and, beginning in 1973, dedicated twenty years as Executive Director of Princeton’s Joint Commission on Civil Rights. She founded and led nonprofit organizations, served on the school board, and worked tirelessly for fair housing, equitable employment, educational access, and just policing. She later worked for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue, retiring in 2012.

Even in retirement, Joan remained deeply engaged in civic life. She volunteered as a poll worker, served on the Board of the Witherspoon Jackson Development Corporation—an organization she helped to found—and remained active in community service for as long as her health allowed.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Princeton, Joan served faithfully as an usher and trustee and remained deeply rooted in her faith. She also found joy in travel, card games, casino trips, and time spent with close friends. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Ladies and the Jazzy Divas.

Joan was predeceased by her parents; her brothers Thomas D. Hill, Jr. and Bruce A. Hill; her sister Shirley L. Hart; and her nephew John R. Hart.

She is survived by her children, Tracey J. Hill of Pikesville, Maryland, and Troy D. Hill of Seattle, Washington; her grandchildren, David Bassett, Xavier Barclay, Brittany Hill, and Troinaasia Hill; great-granddaughter, Bre’Lyn Burke; great-grandson Tezekiah Fogle; her brother, David A. Hill; her sister, Flora Clark of Richmond, Virginia; and a wide community of friends and colleagues whose lives she touched through decades of service.

Funeral service will be 11am Thursday, March 5, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Princeton, 119 John Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. Calling hour will be 10am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be private. 

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