Rock Hill, South Carolina – Mabel Merchant Hinson, 99, went peacefully to her heavenly home on April 30, 2024.
She was born in Saluda County, SC, to Benjamin Lewis Merchant and Mary Allene Corley Merchant.
Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Buford Lee Hinson. Sr., and her seven brothers and sisters.
Her surviving family includes her children Blanche Black (John), Buford Hinson, Jr.(Margaret), Cathy McKee (Ross), and Sara Dickerson (Jim). Also surviving are her eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
Mabel attended the Cherry Hill School in Saluda County. She was a graduate of North Greenville Jr. College and Winthrop College. After graduation, she taught high school in Winnsboro, SC and Rock Hill, SC.
After marriage she continued her career as a chemist at Celanese Corporation. She later worked with her husband as co-owner and co-operator of a highly successful grocery business, Hinson’s Super Market, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Her final career position was as manager of laboratory operations for water systems testing at Kiestler Engineering in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Mabel was active in numerous church and civic organizations during her lifetime. She is fondly remembered by many as a friend and mentor.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. She cherished the many worldwide trips she took with friends and family members.
Mabel was a devout Christian throughout her lifetime. She grew up in the Christian faith at Sardis Baptist Church in Saluda County, South Carolina. She was a founding member at Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and taught Sunday School there for many years.
During her last years she lived with Sara and Jim Dickerson in York, South Carolina, where she enjoyed the tranquility of country life.
The family will receive friends at 10am at Oakland Baptist Church, 1067 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29732 on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Followed by a celebration of Mabel’s life at 11am, with Pastor Eddie Ramsey, officiating.
Memorials may be made to Oakland Baptist Church/Rock Hill, Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill, or a charity of one’s choice.