Mary Winnie (Thomas) Hines

Our beloved Mary Winnie Thomas Hines of Raleigh, NC, departed this life on Monday, January 27, 2025. She was born to the late Reverend Henry E. and Winnie R. Thomas on April 27, 1938. Mary attended Harnett County Schools and excelled as a guard, showcasing impressive dribbling skills and proving herself an outstanding basketball player. She graduated at the top of her class from Shaw Town High School in Littleton County, North Carolina, in 1956.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior early on while attending Chalk Level CME Church in Harnett County, NC. She met and married the love of her life, Alfred Jennings Hines, Sr., on June 19, 1958, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Together, they formed a loving family with three children: Alfred, Glen, and Michael. They attended Young Missionary Temple and later joined Martin Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Paul H. Johnson in 1975. Mary faithfully served and attended Martin Street until her health declined.

Professionally, Mary worked as a mail clerk for 30 years at D. H. Hill Library at North Carolina State University. She loved family gatherings, and her homemade, mouth-watering lemon pound cakes with white icing drizzled down the side were a family favorite.

Mary also enjoyed attending Quartet concerts and singing with her favorite groups, including Jay Caldwell and the Gospel Ambassadors. She was a true fashionista with an innate sense of style and a keen eye for fashion trends. She knew how to mix and match outfits, accessorize flawlessly, and always look chic. Her passion for fashion inspired others with her unique and bold fashion choices.

Survivors:

Sons: Alfred Hines, Jr. of Cary; Glen Arnold Hines, Sr. (Perniece) of Charlotte; Michael Hines, Sr. (Annette) of Raleigh. Siblings: Mildred Thomas Cox (deceased), Betty Hinton, Ethelene Smith (all of Raleigh, NC), Henrietta Thomas Jones (deceased), Edna Mims of Greensboro, NC, and Joseph A. Thomas (Holly) of Spring Hope, NC. 10 Grandchildren, 20 Great-Grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mary's legacy will endure in the hearts of her loved ones and everyone she touched.

Public Viewing:  12:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Lea Funeral Home, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.                               

Funeral Service:  12:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2025, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin Street, Raleigh, NC.         

Visitation:  11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, preceding the funeral service at the Church

Interment: Carolina Biblical Gardens, Garner, NC.

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