Irene Hinson

EVELYN IRENE THORNTON HINSON

May 27, 1925 – October 24, 2025

Evelyn Irene Thornton Hinson, 100, was called to her heavenly home on October 24, 2025. She was born the fifth of six children to John Eldridge Thornton and Pearl Boyd Thornton, grew up in Maiden, and graduated from Maiden High School in 1942. She was a member of the first girls softball team at Maiden High School and was honored as the class’s Salutarian. She was a tomboy as well as a gracious lady who demonstrated angelic love for others here on earth.

She married Willie “Bill” Aster Hinson in 1942, and as part of the Greatest Generation, they faced the challenges of The Great Depression (as children) and World War II as a married couple. They were devoted to each other and to their three daughters Ilene, Cathy, and Bobbie. They were involved in the lives of their daughters offering them opportunities in Civil Air Patrol, flying, a mountain home experience, and games – softball, badmitton, croquet, Rook, monopoly, as well as instilling a strong work ethic and love of faith, community, and family. She worked at Worlong Glove and Prestige / Bassett Furniture Company.

Irene was the only surviving member of her 1942 graduating class from Maiden High School. She continued to hold the title of Elder at her home church – Memorial Reformed Church, Maiden. Irene is also a Garden Club of North Carolina Life Member and a member of the Good Earth Garden Club, Newton, NC.

Her beautiful black hair, shining blue eyes, and dimpled smile will delight the Lord, the angels, and her beloved husband and family members in Heaven as they delighted everyone on earth. She will likely hold each hand, kiss it, and say “I love you”.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill Hinson, her parents John Eldridge and Pearl Boyd Thornton, her sisters Elaine Coulter, Helen Williams, Hazel Perkins, Ruby Biggerstaff, her brother Boyd Thornton, and her great-grandson Riley Howard.

Remaining to celebrate her life are her daughters Nina Ilene Drum (Everett) of Newton; Cathy Lou Franklin-Griffin (Harry) of Connelly Springs; and Bobbie Irene McNeil (Clayton) of Six Mile, South Carolina. Her grandchildren love and celebrate the joy she brought to their lives: Lisa Howard Adams (David), Maiden; Michael Howard (Kristy), Sherrills Ford; John Eric Franklin (Kimberly); Jennifer Mcneil; Jobie Henderson (Matt). The great-grandchildren also celebrate her: Lindsay (Scott), Corey, Shayne (Jenna), Carly; Ethan, Cole; Thomas Clayton, Sophia Evelyn; Jackson, Sam; Natalie, Luke. Great-great grandchildren are: Ian, Connor, Gavin; Thomas Michael, and many friends.

The Trinity Ridge Family is appreciated for the support of Irene and the family during this time of transition.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-5:00 P.M. Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Memorial Reformed Church, 201 E. Main Street Maiden, NC 28658. The funeral will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, October 27, 2025 at Memorial Reformed Church with Reverend Dr. Harry Griffin officiating, and burial will follow the service on Monday at St. Matthew’s Reformed Church in Maiden.

Pall Bearers: Michael Howard, Ethan Howard, Clayton Mcneil, Matt Henderson, Corey Adams, Shayne Adams, Steve Biggerstaff, Dylan Biggerstaff, Honorary Pall Bearers: Jackson Henderson and Sam Henderson 

Donations may be made to: Memorial Reformed Church 201 E. Main Street Maiden, NC 28658

American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give

Muscular Distrophy Association: https://www.mda.org

American Stroke Association: https://www.thestrokefoundation.org/get-involved/honor-a-loved-one