Gloria Ann Hines

Hines, Gloria Ann - Age 83, of Flint, passed away June 18, 2026. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, 1159 E Foss Ave, Flint, MI 48505 with Pastor Brian C. Frelix officiating with the family hour at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint. Visitation will be held 2:00 PM - 5 PM Friday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Gloria was born on July 8, 1942, in Albion, Michigan, the daughter of Phillip and Juanita (Davis) Bell. She earned her bachelor's degree in Language Arts from Olivet College and later received her master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. A pioneering educator, Gloria became the first African American teacher at Wilkins Elementary School and devoted 46 years of service to Flint Community Schools, where she touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. Gloria was a faithful and dedicated member of Foss Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher with the MLA Women's Sunday School. Her deep faith, commitment to education, and love for her church and community left a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who knew her. Surviving are: husband of 54 years, Albert Leon Hines; son, Albert Leon Hines II; daughter, Dr. Philnita (Ernest) Tolbert; three grandchildren, Chanel, Kyia, and Ethan Tolbert; brother, Floyd Bell; niece, Tashia Bell; great-niece, Amiyah; Godson, David L, Bates; a host of nieces and nephews. Special family friends, the Blake family, the Hines family, the McGhee family, as well as her caregiver of 12 years, Robin L. Johnson. She was preceded in death by parents; and her sister, Celestia Bell. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.