Martha Lee Hines

Martha Lee Hines was born to Edmund and Julia Croxton on June 1, 1939 in Boligee, Alabama. She was one of her father’s eleven children. She moved to Chicago to live with her older sister Rosie and her husband Charles Waiters, who raised her as their own. She attended Calumet High School, where she met her husband Henry Hines III. They were married for 16 years. That marriage produced four children: Henry IV, Jeffery, Michele and Julian. Martha returned to the workforce and became a Deputy Sheriff at the Cook County Department of Corrections, retiring after 19 years of service. In 1983, after the death of her Sister Rosie, Martha was left with unanswered questions. She soon began studying the Bible with her former co-worker Marguerite Ford. Martha enjoyed finding clear and satisfying answers from the Bible. As a result, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on November 22, 1986. For several years she served as a Regular Pioneer in the Rosemoor Congregation, devoting 70 hours per month reaching out to those in her community. She enjoyed being with the brothers and sisters at the Kingdom Hall. She loved to laugh and making people laugh. Martha had an ear for classical music and smooth jazz. Sunday afternoons you would likely find her watching a classic movie. She delighted being around nature, cultivating flowers and gardening. Home decorating with good friends was a favorite pastime. She also loved traveling, enjoying Jehovah’s creations, visiting places such as Colorado, Niagara Falls and New York (which was her favorite destination). She maintained her quick wit even during her illness. Often when the nurses would ask ‘do you need anything else Mrs. Hines’ …she would humorously reply ‘Yea, some money!’ Martha was a loving, hardworking mother who made many sacrifices for her children. Her love for her children motivated her to endure a very stressful career. She had a special fondness and friendship with her younger sister Cora and her children Edward, Belinda and Jerry, who loyally supported her during her illness. Martha fell asleep in death on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, after courageously enduring Dementia for the last 10 years. Her laughter and graciousness will be missed by a host of family, friends and acquaintances. She was preceded in death by her son, Henry Hines IV; and sisters, Rosie Waiters and Viola Knott. Martha leaves to cherish her memories her children, Jeffery Hines (Lisa), Michele Rainey (Anthony) and Julian Hines (Avis); two grandchildren, Niña Hines and Miranda Hines; siblings, Eddie Croxton, Cora Fort, Elliot Webb, Mary Croxton, Jessie Croxton, Issac Croxton, Matthew Croxton and William Croxton; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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Martha Lee Hines

June 1, 1939 - August 15, 2017