Joya Irene Hill

Joya Irene Hill (née Cottrell), lovingly known as Nana, went home to be with the Lord on April 17, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on November 27, 1946, in Middletown, Ohio, Joya was the beloved daughter of James and Doris Cottrell. She later made her home in Dayton, Ohio, with her husband of 33 years, Marvin S. Hill, where she built a life rooted in family, creativity, and love.

Joya began her journey as a model, where her beauty and presence naturally set her apart. She won a modeling contest through WDAO and was later featured in Jet Magazine, a true reflection of just how striking she was. Joya was effortlessly beautiful, the kind of beauty that turned heads and stayed with you. She carried herself with confidence and grace, and her presence alone could light up any room she entered. That love for expression never left her, as she remained a creative throughout her life with a passion for fashion, beauty, interior decorating, and pottery.

Joya built a strong and steady career at General Motors, later retiring from Delphi in Vandalia, Ohio. She took pride in her work and in the life it allowed her to create, moving with both independence and quiet determination. Beyond her career, she was also the proud owner of Perfections Salon, a reflection of her passion for beauty, style, and the care she put into others.

Joya was known not just for how she looked, but for how she made people feel. Her smile lit up every room, and she never met a stranger. She was kind, loving, and generous, never turning away anyone in need. She was a great cook and a gracious host, always opening her home and her heart to others.

At her core, Joya was deeply family-oriented, with a strong love and respect for her parents that shaped the way she showed up in every role she held. She was a nurturing daughter, a loving sister, a devoted wife, a caring mother, aunt, neighbor, and a proud grandmother whose presence will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Doris Cottrell; and her husband, Marvin S. Hill. She passed on April 17, just one day before the date of her late husband’s passing, a quiet reminder of the bond they shared.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Linda Million; her daughters, Yvette Ransaw and Kellye Alves-Fisher; her grandchildren, Shayla, Jasmine, Jamea, Kourtney, and Jonah; her cherished great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and loved ones. Joya Irene Hill will be remembered for her beauty, her warmth, her generosity, and the way she made everyone feel at home in her presence.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.