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Former NBA star Grant Hill is mourning the loss of his mother today after announcing her battle with Glioblastoma a year ago. Janet Hill was the wife of former NFL star Calvin Hill and a beloved member of her various communities, where she was known as a caring philanthropist and dedicated board member. Let’s take a look at her life as fans continue to send her family love and support.
Janet Hill was a brilliant woman who attended Wellesley College. There, she was roommates with future senator and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. She would meet her husband Calvin Hill while he was playing professional football. Calvin was a decorated athlete with stints in the Dallas Cowboys, The Redskins, The Browns, and the Hawaiians. The pair welcomed their son Grant Hill in October 1972, their only child.
Grant would, of course, go on to become a beloved athlete in his own right. He played for Duke University before joining the NBA. While in the big leagues, he played for the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Pheonix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers. Grant is married to Canadian R&B singer Tamia.
Grant’s mother, Janet, was a Trustee Emerita at his alma mater Duke, where today flags have been lowered in honor of his late mother. According to the University’s website, “[Janet] was a member of the Duke University Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2021. She was recently announced as a 2022 recipient of the University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service, Duke’s highest honor. The award will be presented posthumously in conjunction with Founders’ Weekend, Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.”
Janet was also a principal with Hill Family Advisors in Fairfax, Virginia. She was previously the owner and vice president of Alexander & Associates Inc, a consulting firm providing corporate planning, advice, and analyses to directors, executives, and managers.
As previously mentioned, Janet was diagnosed with Glioblastoma a year ago. According to the Mayo Clinic, Glioblastoma is “an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.” This type of cancer tends to appear in older adults and can cause worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. On social media, fans of the Hill family have been sending them an outpouring of love and support during such a heartbreaking loss. Magic Johnson took to Twitter and said, “Cookie and I send our love and prayers out to Calvin Hill, Grant Hill, and the entire Grant family after losing their beloved wife and mother! @realgranthill33.”
Don Harris Tweeted, “RIP Janet Hill. Grant Hill’s mom was extraordinary. A member of too many boards to count. Wendy’s, Sprint, Houghton Mifflin, etc. Trustee at Duke & Kennedy Center for performing arts. Also, former Asst. to the Secretary of the Army. Thoughts to go out to Grant and family.”
In his own statement, Grant commended his mom on her fighting spirit and desire to beat cancer. “She confronted this brain cancer with tremendous strength, courage & dignity. This loss for our family is devastating. She will forever be missed. #RIP mom. IU Mom!!!” Our condolences to their family.
