Mary Frances Hines

Mary Frances Hines went peacefully to her final home in heaven on March 20, 2026. She was born in Glennville, GA daughter of Raleigh and Myrtle Woods. In 1955 she married Donva Hines, they remained married for 51 years until his passing in 2006.

Visitation will be Monday, March 23rd from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in May and Smith Funeral Home, with a celebration of her life held on Tuesday March 24th at 2:00 p.m. in May & Smith Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bobby Williford officiating. Remarks will be given by Joe Hartley, WCRMC and a reading of a poem by Mary will be given by Teresa Hines. Burial will be at Down’s Church of God on the Sparta-Davisboro Hwy. (6363 South Sparta Davisboro Rd. Davisboro, GA 31018)

Pallbearers will be Brian Garrett, Chris Hines, Brandon Atkinson, Brantley Stafford, Curt Edwards, Nathan Edwards, James Garrett, and Thomas Coffey,

The family will be at the home of Fred and Darlene Garrett at 8922 Hwy 88, Sandersville.

Early in their marriage they learned to play music together, Mary on the guitar and Donva on the banjo, harmonizing on songs they knew and loved. Mary also wrote songs along with poetry, which have been published in various local newspapers in the areas which they lived.

Together they raised five children and when Donva answered the call to pastor, Mary fully supported him. In the early 70’s, Mr. Hines accepted the role of Pastoring the Down’s Church of God in Washington County, together Mary and Donva grew the church, making lifelong friendships, while serving the Lord.

Mary loved traveling in the ministry, singing along with Donva and the children at church revivals and meets. She never met a stranger, always taking the initiative to welcome or invite someone to church, while reminding them of how the Lord loves us completely.

She was an amazing cook, making memorable meals for both family and friends, both in her home, at church events, and holidays. Mary was also an excellent seamstress, making and mending for herself and others. She also worked for the Postal Service in Liberty County, and as office manager at B&B Siding Co./ Easco in Sandersville, before retiring to fully serve the church.

Mary is preceded in death by parents Raleigh and Myrtle Woods, husband Donva Hines, daughter Jessica Lynn Woods, great-grandson Tatum Joe Waters.

She is survived by children: Darlene (Fred) Garrett, Don (Teresa) Hines, Paul (Carolyn) Hines, Holly (Jason) Barber. Grandchildren: Brian Garrett, Candace (Curt) Edwards, Marla (David) Wahl, Chris Hines, Kaycee (Josh) Coyle, Brantley Stafford, Brandon (Shina) Atkinson, Karlee (Dustin) Grant, Morgan Woods, Layton Bridges, Piper McCoy.

Step-grandchildren Thomas (Jennifer) Coffey, Trae (Heather) Coffey, Elizabeth (Russell) Shuman, Dakota (Brianne) Silvers, Breanna Silvers

Great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Max) Corder, Kyleigh (Jed) May, Kristan (Bishop) Veal, Samantha (Dalton) Dixon, Somer Edwards, Nathan Edwards, Jaxson Wahl, James Stafford, Aurora Atkinson, Luna Atkinson, Percy Atkinson, Korbin Grant, Jessi Lynn Grant, Kyler Grant. 

Step-great grandchildren: Katherine Coffey, Lilly Shuman, Penelope Coffey, Graham Shuman, Ariel Womack, Hazel Womack, Garret Silvers

Great-great grandchildren: Lillie Rose Dixon, Millie Kate Corder, soon to be, Drake Dixon

The family is extremely grateful to the staff of ECF for the wonderful care of their mother Mary Hines.

Donations may be made to the Downs Church of God in her honor c/o Pastor Fred Garrett, 8922 Hwy 88 Sandersville GA 31082.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.