Susan Lewis Hill

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

On the morning of Saturday, January 31, 2026, DeRidder native Susan Lewis Hill finished her race. She died peacefully in her daughter’s Lafayette, Louisiana, home after a few weeks of hospice care and several months into her second fight with cancer. But Susan’s spirit is eternal, and she was fully prepared to move into her next assignment in God’s Kingdom.

Susan was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, on February 15, 1963. She was a tomboy and always sought adventure. In her childhood, she climbed (and fell out of) trees, built forts in the woods, and played a variety of sports and musical instruments. She spent her summers playing softball and basketball, camping at Kueta T Ranch, and participating in the youth group at First United Methodist Church. As a teenager, she took two missionary trips to Haiti. Susan graduated from DeRidder High School in 1981 after serving on the student council and playing on the basketball and softball teams. On December 7, 1983, Susan married Billy Hill. Their daughter, Samantha, was born in 1992 with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (also known as “brittle bones”). Susan advocated fiercely for her daughter and was there for the many challenges and successes in Samantha’s life. With her brother, Susan cofounded the Louisiana Osteogenesis Imperfecta Support Group.

Susan loved being outdoors and living an active lifestyle. For several years, she owned and operated Sabine Canoes – a canoe rental and shuttle service along the nearby Sabine River. She hosted a women-only river trip many summers; participants called themselves “river tarts.” In their younger years, Susan and Billy played pool and threw darts. Susan hiked in forests and rode bicycles everywhere – sometimes with larger hiking groups, a friend or two, or solo with God. Susan was a curious adventurer in this world full of wonders.

Susan committed her adult life to taking care of her family, friends, her home church, her local community, and occasionally complete strangers (some later became friends). She also provided critical care to each of her parents in their final years. For decades, every Friday she was a Pink Lady at Beauregard Memorial Hospital in DeRidder. Susan participated in fundraisers (e.g., runs and bicycle rides) across Louisiana, Arkansas, California and Texas. As a world citizen, Susan visited six of the seven continents: North America, Central and South America (and the Caribbean), Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia (including New Zealand). For several years, Susan took an annual missionary pilgrimage to Honduras, where she made many special friends and enjoyed spending time with local children; many of whom she got to see grow up. She also served on mission teams in El Salvador and Cambodia. Susan served for decades in a variety of roles at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder. Most recently, her biggest project has been organizing the Circles on a Mission Bike Ride through First Methodist Church in DeRidder, to benefit the Methodist Children’s homes across the state. Her boundless love and humble service have been an inspiration to many.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan (1926-2018) and Mary Sue (1930-2007) Lewis. 

She is survived by her husband, Billy Hill; her daughter, Samantha Louque (Irvin); stepson, Shelby Hill; sisters, Catherine Dillon (Steve) and Charlotte McGee (Eddie Smith); brother, Samuel Lewis (Sharron); nieces, Sarah Blessington (Roy), Lydia Dial (Brad), Emily Mladenka, and Maya Lewis; nephew, Nathaniel Lewis; grandnephew, Thomas Dial; and many cousins and friends. Susan had many beloved friends around the world.

Visitation with her family and friends will begin at 12pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Her Celebration of Life service will follow at 2pm in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home or the charitable organization of your choice.