Lubertha Hines

Mrs. Lubertha “Bay” Smalls Hines, the daughter of the late Johnny Smalls and Mary McCants Smalls was born December 17, 1937 in Florence, South Carolina. She left this life to return to the open arms of her Creator on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.

As a small child, “Bay” as she was affectionately called was educated at Salem School in Claussen, South Carolina and later graduated from Wilson High School as a Class of 1956 graduate.

On August 8, 1959 “Bay” and the late Robert “Jay” Hines, Jr. were united in holy matrimony.

At an early age, Bay was determined not to be a domestic worker, therefore, shortly after marriage, Bay and Jay became a part of the Great Migration and relocated to Bronx, New York seeking better opportunities. However years later, Bay and Jay returned to Florence, South Carolina. Bay gained employment with Lazy Boy East. She retired in 1999 after thirty-two years of service.

Bay gave her life to Christ and joined Salem United Methodist Church in the Claussen Community, where she served faithfully as a member of the Senior, Mass, and Young Adult Choirs. She also served in many other capacities of the church, which are as follows: Church Musician, member of the Trustee Board, Pastoral Parish Committee, Council on Ministries, Church Van Ministry, and Culinary Staff.

Bay was also one of the founders of Salem’s first annual Family and Friends Day, Annual Activity Day, helped organize the first annual Church Anniversary, Home Coming, Fundraisers to pave the church grounds, purchase the parsonage, and the vans. She was one of the founding members of the S & E Concert Choir and was a member for many years and served as an Advisor to the Choir as well. Even as her health declined, she still lifted her voice in song. You could hear her singing, playing the piano, and singing throughout the halls of Southland Health Care Center.

Bay enjoyed cooking and often hosted large dinners. She was always willing to help others in any way she could such as: donating clothing, offering transportation and/or monetary gifts. She was a giver, and her motto was “If I could help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Mary McCants Smalls; and her husband, Robert “Jay” Hines, Jr.,

Lubertha leaves to cherish her precious members: two daughters, Alyssa (Derrick) Sparks of the home and Debra Cain of Florence, South Carolina; three sons, Ronnie Cain of Florence, South Carolina, Wilbert “Duke” Cain, and Daniel (Reverend Earlena) Harrison of Florence, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Jaden A. Bethea of Lubbock, Texas, Jaiden Sparks and Jason Sparks both of the home, Salathiel Harrison, Seth Harrison, and Stephen Harrison all of Florence, South Carolina; two special nephews, Brian (Neva) Bailey and Herbert (Nicole) Goodman; two special nieces, Tanya Bailey and Inez Goodman; five sisters-in-law, Margie Hines, Shirley Johnson, Mary Aikens, Martha Spears, and Theola Jones; god-children, Scherelle (James) McElveen, Patricia Kelley, Carol James Keith, and James (Annie) Hines; best friend, Lizzie Thomas; childhood friends, Olin and Annie James; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, extended church family, and friends..

Please keep the family of Lubertha "Bay" Hines in your thoughts and prayers.