(Courtesy Photo)

Myrtle Hill, the first Black female bail bondsperson in Los Angeles, passed away on October 19.  She was 94 years old.

The viewing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Angelus Funeral Home, 3875 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles.  A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., at Angelus Funeral Home.  The interment will be at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills at 2:30 p.m.

Myrtle was born on April 1, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Albert Lamb and Catherine Bulliner. During her childhood, Myrtle resided with her grandparents in Little Rock, Arkansas, until her father, Albert Lamb, summoned her to Los Angeles, California, after the passing of her grandfather. At just 9 years old, she made a solo journey from Little Rock to Los Angeles by train.

In her teenage years, Myrtle worked at her father’s market, Al’s Savoy Market, at 53rd St. and Central Avenue. In 1946, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, pursued higher education at Los Angeles City College, and ultimately earned her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1986.

Myrtle embarked on a career with the Los Angeles Police Department, later becoming the first black female bail bonds person in Los Angeles in 1964.

In 1970, she began her employment with the U.S. Postal Service, where she rose to the position of US Postal Service EAP Supervisor (Employee Assistance Program) before her retirement in 1998. Her role as EAP Supervisor involved helping individuals through various rehabilitation programs.

In 1947, Myrtle Jean Lamb married Clydell Hill in Los Angeles and from their union, they were blessed with three children – Michael Hill, Jacquelyn Parish, and Clydell Hill, Jr.

Clydell Hill, Jr. preceded her in death. She is also survived by her grandsons, Don Parish and the late Marcus Hill, and great-grandsons Don Parish Jr. III, Miles Parish, Albert Hill, Marcus Hill Jr., and great-granddaughters Tatiana Parish, Trinity Parish, Alyssa Hill, Aliya Hill, and Alayna Hill. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Mona Lisa Lamb.

Myrtle was a devoted follower of Christ, accepting Him as her Lord and Savior. As we bid her farewell, let us remember Myrtle Jean Hill with love, gratitude, and a deep sense of appreciation for the beautiful soul she was.

In our moments of reflection, may we find solace in the knowledge that her spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of those she touched. Myrtle’s life was a testament to the significance of living with zest, love, and compassion, and she will forever be an inspiration to us all.