Leona Jean Crockett Hiley

Leona Jean Hiley, 74, of Los Angeles, California passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on January 26th, 2025 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She was born in Compton, CA on July 18th, 1950 to Edward James Crockett, and Helen [Siddall] Crockett. Leona, grew up in Compton, CA, where the strong community of Gospel Haven instilled in her a deep devotion to faith and family.

For 53 years, Leona shared a loving marriage with her husband David Hiley. She dedicated her life to raising her daughters Erin Lee Hiley and Lisa Ann [Hiley] Russo, and loving cared for her nephew Johnny Harrelson, fulfilling a commitment to her late sister Sonia. More than a devoted wife and mother, Leona provided a foundation for her family, providing unwavering support to her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She truly placed her family at the center of all that she did and experienced her greatest joy when spending time with her immediate and extended family, including close friends.

All who knew Leona know that she enjoyed politics, and despite no formal experience in event planning or fundraising, Leona served as the President of the Bel Air Women’s Republican Club (“BAWRC”). In this role, she successfully secured high-profile speakers. Her award winning newsletter, showcased her determination and talents. Leona had no formal experience in writing, software or publishing. Yet, the newsletter she created and drafted won numerous awards. When it came to Leona, she accomplished anything she set out to do. Leona’s achievements with the BAWRC are inspiring to all, even those of us with opposing political alignment; but for those Republicans amongst us, she was determined, impactful and vitalizing.

After growing the BAWRC, Leona turned her focus to her greatest joy, her grandchildren. She traded in her Miata and got her grandma car. From the day Samantha was born, there wasn’t a day that went by that grandma did not think about or do for her 4 grandchildren. Leona’s greatest joy was her family. She was a guiding force – encouraging and supporting those she loved. If she saw potential, she nurtured it; if she saw need, she filled it. She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, her sisters Sonia Harrelson and Joan Hotchkiss, and her mother-in-law Esther Hiley. She is survived by her devoted husband David Hiley; her daughters Erin (David Richman and his children David and Danielle) and Lisa (John Russo) – parents to her beloved grandchildren Samantha Russo (16), David Russo (14), Evelyn Russo (8), and Mia Russo (6). She also leaves behind her sisters Jonna Sabroff and Helen Jo Crockett; her brother-in-law Paul Hiley (Yolanda Hiley); and her nieces and nephews (their spouses and children): Tom Forbes, Ty Kern, Damian Hiley, Diana Hiley, Johnny Harrelson, and Vivian Hiley; as well as extended family and close friends. Leona’s love, wisdom, and strength will continue to inspire those how were fortunate to know her. Her legacy will live on the lives she touched.

Leona’s service will be held at 12 p.m. on February 10, 2025 at Westchester Lutheran Church. Live stream and recording of Leona's service can be found at the Westchester Lutheran YouTube Channel.

While Leona loved flowers and flowers will be accepted at Westchester Lutheran Church, the family asks that you consider a donation to either Westchester Lutheran Church www.secure.myvanco.com/L-ZNAE/campaign/C-1540Y or Arthritis National Research Foundation www.curearthrtitis.com/in-memory-gifts .