Essie Lee (Smith) Hinton

It is with sincere sadness that the Horton’s Funeral Home Family announces the earthly transition of Mrs. Essie Lee Hinton as she peacefully answered the Master's call on Monday, January 10, 2022 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. 

The heartbreaking task of planning the Life Remembering services for Essie have been finalized and will commence on Monday, January 17, 2022 beginning with viewing and visitation at Horton’s Funeral Home in Hertford, NC between the hours of 4pm and 6pm. Mrs. Hinton’s family will climax her life remembrance with a “Loving Farewell” Ceremony on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 beginning at 11am at Bay Branch AME Zion Church in Belvidere, NC. 

Immediately following the formalities in the Sanctuary, Mrs. Hinton’s earthen vessel along with her cherished family will be escorted to Hinton Family Cemetery for Committal Rites.

As hard as it will be for Essie’s loved ones to depart without her, God our Heavenly Father promised to give peace that will surpass all of our understanding even in the midst of grief and sorrow. The hymnologist said it best... when he put pen to parchment writing.... “We’ll understand it better all by and by.” 

Leaving to cherish her memories are daughters: Mrs. Pauline Hinton Holley (Leon) of Elizabeth City, NC, and Ms. Shirley Ann Hinton (special friend-William Ervin Griffin) of Elizabeth City NC; her sons: Rev. Ellis Hinton, Jr. (ShaBriya) of Belvidere, NC, and Mr. Artis Christopher Hinton of the home; son-in-law (Andre Sessoms); her godson: Mr. William Kee (Annette) of Belvidere, NC; twelve grandchildren: Rhonda Hayes, Ronchelle Hinton, Ameyia Hinton, Rhontel Hayes, Trequita Overton, Kaneshia Hinton, Ashley Jones, Christopher Hinton, Sharice Hinton, Shanice Hinton, Demetrie Hinton, and Ellis Hinton III; two step-grandchildren: Quandra Lewis and Desmond Green; fifteen great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Ann Hurdle of Gatesville, NC, Carolyn Elaine Jones (Jesse) of Gatesville, NC, Betty Annette Butler of Elizabeth City, NC and Annie Mae Eason (Charlie) of Waterbury, CT; three brothers: James Dildy (Sharon) of Delray, FL, Joseph Dildy of Gatesville, NC, and Charlie Clinton Dildy of Gatesville, NC; sister-in-law Rachel Hinton of Belvidere, NC; brother-in-law Alfonso Pemberton of Gatesville, NC; a special adopted daughter, Sarah Winslow and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.

Essie Smith Hinton is preceded in death by her parents: Stella Arline Dildy & Emmett Smith; stepfather: Robert Lee Dildy; her husband: Ellis “Tunk” Hinton, Sr.; daughters: Cathlyn Hinton and Lillia Hinton Sessoms; son: Ellis Eugene Hinton; grandson: Wilton Alexander Wells III; brothers: Nathaniel Dildy, Robert Dildy, Frank Edward Dildy, Johnnie Dildy and sisters: Stella Pemberton and Jessie Mae Smith-Brown.

The professionals at Horton’s Funeral Home and Cremations are accommodating each request and personal desire of the Hinton and connected families.

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