JANICE HILL LEE was born on April 5, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey to Girard William Lee and Willa Mae Lee (Sidney). The oldest of three children she made her transition on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Janice was raised in a home where she was taught the importance of education, living with integrity and most importantly the love of God. She attended St. Johns Baptist Church for many years. However, in later years she joined New Hope Baptist Church where she remained a member.
Janice attended school in the Newark Public School System and upon graduation her parents encouraged her to continue her education. She received an AA from Essex Community College and later a BA in Early Childhood Education from Kean College.
While still quite young she met, fell in love and married Allan Hill. They had three sons Allan Jr, Derrick (Rick) and Lamar. Janice was a devoted mother to her sons, whom she cherished and spoke of with immense pride. Her greatest joy was being their mother.
Janice chose a career of educating others, ultimately becoming the proud owner of the Little Philosopher School of Learning. There she created a nurturing and inspiring environment where generations of children from preschool through third grade learned not only reading, writing and arithmetic but also kindness, confidence and a love of learning.
An Adventurer at heart, Janice traveled through Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. She approached life with zeal and excitement. She will be remembered for her strength, passion and unwavering dedication to her family.
Many of us will also remember Janice as an avid reader. We'll reminisce on her laugh, her attitude & smile. She loved a fresh hairstyle, and jewelry that sparkled as much as she did. She had a bold sense of style and a vibrant personality to match. Her presence filled a room and her “memory will never fade.”
Janice is now eternally reunited with her parents, her brother Dr. Gerard W. Lee, Jr. and her beloved son Lamar. She leaves awaiting their glorious reunion: her sons Allan Jr. (Joan), Derrick (Angela), granddaughters Lynsi (Terence), Loryn (Maurice) and Alyssa(Quinton), seven great grandchildren, her sister Dorian Chase (Clifton), three nephews Bakari, Darnell and Tajiri; as well as other nieces and nephews – and a village of friends and relatives who have been impacted by her life. In her unique way she loved and encouraged us all to be the best.