Mrs. Mary Hunter Hinton

July 18, 1936 - February 2, 2022

Life Reflections Mrs. Mary Hunter Hinton departed this earthly life for her heavenly reward on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born July 18, 1936, in Horatio, SC, to the late Adam Hunter and Marie Singleton Hunter. She was the eldest of five children. Mary was educated in the public schools of Sumter County from Willow Grove Elementary to High Hill and Ebenezer High. She loved school and was an enthusiastic reader. During her youth and young adult life, she faithfully attended Willow Grove AME Church with her mother and served in various capacities until marriage and moving away. Mary married the love of her life, Rev. Heyward Allen Hinton, on May 19, 1956. (The two love birds met when Heyward would travel to see his aunt in Horatio.) She was a homemaker devoted to family and encouraged her children to get a good education. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, many of whom she nurtured in their early years. She loved hosting family dinners and planning family reunions. Family was crucially important to her. Moreover, she made sure any family member coming to Columbia for school or work was welcome to stay in her home. As a Minister’s wife, Mary was devoted to the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and Young People’s Department (YPD) at each church her husband pastored. She enjoyed hosting the YPD at Christmas. She and her husband were heavily involved in the Debutante-Masters Commission (DMC). They, for many years, personally made all floral arrangements and accessories to provide a beautiful setting for the program. Mary was loyally involved with the Minister’s Wives Association during her husband’s tenure. You could often find church members dining at the Hinton’s home. At conference time, their home was open to all who wanted to stop in for a meal and spiritual conversations. Mary was preceded in eternal life by her parents, husband, brothers Thomas Hunter (Gracie) and Charlie Hunter. Mary’s memory will be cherished by her three sons: Alvin (Corlis) Hinton, Sr. of Hopkins, SC, Heyward Adams (Lendy) Hinton of Columbia, SC and Napoleaon “Nate” (Stephanie) Hinton of Irmo, SC; one daughter, Charletta M. Hinton of Jacksonville, FL; 11 grandchildren, five great grand-children; two sisters, Percalee (Dr. Robert) Morris of Columbia, SC and Louise Hanley of Mt. Vernon, NY; one sister-in-law Elizabeth Hunter of Horation, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, other dear relatives, friends, and a faithful caregiver, Gloria Williams. In lieu of Flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Allen University Scholarship Fun, 1530 Harden Street, SC 29204 or American Heart Association, PO Boc 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692. Donations may also be made online: www.allenuniversity.edu or www.heart.org.