Judy "Jill" Hemphill

Jill's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.



Judy "Jill" Hemphill, 73, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024. She was born on April 23, 1951 in Alva, Oklahoma. Shortly after Jill was born, she was adopted by John and Virginia (Maupin) Sleeper.

John and Virginia raised Jill and her sister in the little town of Iola, Kansas. This is where Jill attended and graduated high school in the class of 1969. Elmer and Jill were introduced to each other by friends in the early months of 1970. Elmer says it was love at first sight. Their love was the type of love that people dream about, it was never ending. On December 19th, 1970, Elmer and Jill tied the knot. Elmer and Jill were blessed with their first born, Matthew Alan, on May 22nd, 1979. On January 5th, 1981, Elmer and Jill welcomed their second child, Adam Troy. Jill loved her two sons with all her heart and was involved in all their activities including boy scouts and different sports. Jill could be found roasting marshmallows in the fireplace or outside kicking around the soccer ball with her boys. She was always creating new memories with her children. Jill began her career as a hairstylist and her passion for doing hair blossomed. Jill was known for her love of hair but most importantly, her hair. Jill will be remembered for her beautiful, thick curls that she adored so much. With the ongoing need for hair and skincare products, Jill became quite the shopping queen. You could always find Jill browsing the shelves at Nordstrom, Ulta, or any jewelry store. She never wanted Elmer to know about her shopping sprees, but the many bags of newly purchased items were not easy to hide! Jill enjoyed taking her granddaughter, Katelin, on those shopping sprees. There was nothing more that Jill loved than spending time with her granddaughter. Jill was extremely proud of her granddaughter and always talked so highly of her. Jill was also known for her love of sweet treats. Whether it was a Hostess or Little Debbie snack, a 3 Musketeers, or a slice of chocolate cake. Jill truly had a heart of gold and will be missed dearly. We thank Jill for the contagious smile and endless memories she provided while on this earth.

Jill is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Elmer Hemphill, children, Adam Hemphill and Matt Hemphill, grandchildren, Katelin Hemphill and Sondra Hemphill, and many other loving friends and family. We want to say a special thank you to the staff at Phoenix Home Care & Hospice who loved Jill like family and made her final moments comfortable and pain free.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Sleeper, mother, Virginia (Maupin) Sleeper, and sister, Janet Sleeper Kerr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Jill’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family will receive guests for a visitation from 10:00-11:00am on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel, the funeral will follow at 11:00am. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. All who loved Jill are welcome.


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