Mary Laura Hines, of Birmingham, Alabama, 89, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014, after a brief illness. Born on January 5, 1925, Mary was the daughter of the late John Emmett and Ella Mary Hines, sister of Margaret Hines Sickels and the late John E. Hines, Jr., aunt of several nieces and nephews, and cherished friend of many. Mary was born in Suffolk, Virginia, where she completed her elementary and secondary education. She earned a BA degree from Mary Washington College, a Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and did further study at Peabody College and Old Dominion University. Following college, Mary was a missionary teacher for underprivileged children at the Toledano Mission in New Orleans. She then joined the staff of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans as elementary director and educational director. In 1964, Mary moved to Birmingham to begin a career with the Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention that would span 25 years. During that time she was the Sunbeam Band Director, the director of all field services, led the creation of the Mission Friends organization, and managed publishing contracts and literature distribution. She also developed curricula and leadership programs during her career. Mary was a charter member of Baptist Church of the Covenant and an ordained deacon. She was involved in the ministries of the church to the community, particularly the International Ministry. She was instrumental in founding Shepherd Center Southside to benefit local seniors. She was also an officer in the Bud and Bloom Garden Club and the Crestline Neighborhood Association. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 5, at 2:00 pm at Baptist Church of the Covenant, 2117 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation with Mary's family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baptist Church of the Covenant.
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Published in The Birmingham News from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2014