Gloria “Ann” Hinds was called Home this Thanksgiving—November 28, 2024—just in time to be reunited with her recently departed husband, Gene, for their 72nd wedding anniversary. Over her 91-year life of love and service to others, Ann was the consummate matriarch for her family, leaving behind a legacy to be emulated.
Ann was born in Norphlet, Arkansas on May 31, 1933, to Willis and Willie Mae McGee, who moved their young family to Kermit, Texas shortly after—a move that would forever change Ann’s life. In January 1952, a handsome young man noticed Ann working the counter at the local drug store and just had to ask for a date. After a proper introduction, Ann accepted his request, on the condition that he join her for Sunday night service. Gene jumped at the opportunity, and, on November 29, 1952, the couple began their 71-year marriage, which, like their first date, grew around God.
Gene and Ann welcomed their first two daughters, Carrie and Cheryl, in 1954 and 1955 and—much to their surprise—welcomed their third daughter, Christi, eleven years later. As Ann raised her girls, managed the home, and cared for her aging mother, she also supported Gene in his rising career, which included moving across the country a dozen times before her youngest graduated high school. With each move, Ann found the family a new church home and, with her magnetic charm and wit, built life-long friendships.
As her daughters got older, Ann brought her gentle nature and nurturing spirit to the classroom, teaching pre-school, serving as a substitute teacher, and, of course, running Sunday School lessons and Vacation Bible School. In her spare time, Ann could be found dominating bridge club, where her card skills were unmatched, or enjoying her favorite treat—a soft-serve ice cream cone.
Mostly, though, Ann will be remembered for the unending love she shared for her family. A best friend to her daughters, the ultimate comfort to her grandchildren, and a tender haven for her great-grandkids, Ann was everything to everyone. When her great grandson, Link, was born, then-78-year-old Ann, even stepped in as nanny extraordinaire, making him batch after batch of silver dollar pancakes (and anything else he wanted) each morning.
In her final weeks of life, Ann proved what her family always knew to be true: she was the strongest woman in the world. Faced with challenges that would cause most to cower, Ann remained resilient, calling on God to use her as a witness for His will and reminding each of her family members how much they are loved, as though we could have doubted it for even a second.
Ann will be so inexplicably missed. While she is leaving behind a hole in each of our hearts that can never truly be filled, she spent her life exemplifying the loyalty and love that will allow her to live on through her children, five grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. We also take comfort in knowing that Ann had no fear in death and that she is now strolling the Streets of Gold with her sweetheart. Thank you for loving us, Mom, Mrs. Hinds, Grandma, Begaw, BeBe.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 14200 Interstate 27, Amarillo, Texas, under the care of Lighthouse Funeral Home.
I want to express my condolence to her family, especially here daughters who live in Amarillo. Ann was a very sweet Lady and was a member of the Wednesday Bridge Group at Park Center Clubhouse and also at ASCA. I pray that God will comfort you with His Love.
She must have been some kind of a lady.