Bonnie Lou Hill

Bonnie Lou Hill, 83, of New Kent, VA passed away on July 23, 2026. Bonnie was born on May 9, 1943 in Newport News, VA, to William Henry Hill Jr. and Lucille Nuckles Thomas Hill.

Bonnie was raised in Newport News, learning piano, nurturing her budding talent for art. She graduated from Warwick High School and attended the Richmond Professional Institute (later becoming VCU) studying design and drafting. In her early years in Richmond, Bonnie was devoted to rising civil rights and social justice movements, a badge she wore proudly and values she shared with those close to her. Bonnie was a proud patriot and ardent supporter of her sons’ military careers and families. She was fiercely independent and a kind, selfless friend to many.

In both her private and professional lives, Bonnie possessed exceptional artistic talent, applying it in a variety of mediums to include watercolor, sketch, oils and photography, providing cover art for South Carolina-based wildlife periodicals. She drafted plans for home construction as well as waste disposal systems for U.S. Navy submarines at the Newport News Shipyard. She finished her professional career serving at the IRS in Richmond, VA.

She was a life-long lover of nature and animals, providing foster care for wild animals and was never known not to have a dog or cat (or several) at her side. She was a natural gardener and caretaker for the cycle of life on the Pamunkey River, much like her own father.

Bonnie is well-known and fondly remembered by people across New Kent County and beyond. She was an avid reader and friend of the New Kent library, and a life-long friend and supporter of the Pamunkey Tribe across the river from her home.

Bonnie is survived by her brother, Curtis Thomas Hill, her three sons, Cape Zemp, Wil Zemp and Matt Zemp, their spouses and seven grandchildren, nephew, niece and extended family. Her family extends a special thank you to her neighbors and friends—past and present—along the Pamunkey for their support and friendship through many years.

A private celebration of life for Bonnie is planned for a later date.