Carolyn Ramsey Hines

Carolyn was born on June 10, 1957, to Barbara (Ramsey) Bizzle of St. Simons Island and Sammy Sheppard of New York. During her youth, Carolyn was a resident of St. Simons Island, GA, more specifically the tight knit Harrington community on the north end of the Island. She received her education in the Glynn County School System and was a proud graduate of Glynn Academy High School, class of 1975. Aspiring to pursue a career in nursing, she enrolled in Brunswick Junior College, but paused furthering her education to become a wife and mother. At an early age, while spending time with her grandmother, the late Holland Sheppard Carolyn received Jesus Christ as her personal savior and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues at Harlem COGIC on the south end of St. Simons Island. She later joined St. Andrews COGIC on the north end of the island where she became deeply involved in the church. It was there that Carolyn met the love of her life. On August 19, 1978, Carolyn married her husband Nelson Andre Hines of Brunswick, GA. From this union was born first, Angel and then Daniel. Together, Carolyn and Nelson, along with their two children, followed the path of God for their lives. Nelson’s job with the Federal Aviation Administration took them from Brunswick, GA to Oklahoma City, OK, Charleston, SC, Pinellas Park, FL, Cleveland, OH, Chicago, IL, Gainesville, FL and Washington, DC. In all of these places, ministry was a large part of Carolyn’s life. She was a devout believer, wonderful wife and awesome mother who loved God, her family, and people. A passionate, effective prayer warrior and prophetic person, Carolyn stoutly believed in “knee-ology” and fervently preached the power of prayer. Her powerful voice was often heard boasting strong words of prayer and melodies of praise. She was no stranger to giving God praise, as her singing and rub board playing often led to her feet dancing!

In her hometown, Carolyn was given the nickname “Ms. Cookie” and then later, after the birth of her first grandchild she was affectionately known as “Gigi.” Carolyn loved her family with all her heart. Always praying for them, she instilled and often reminded the need for and importance of a strong prayer life. Carolyn was an excellent cook and even more tasteful baker. Known for her sweet potato pies, key lime cakes and Hawaiian banana pudding, it was nothing for her to sit in front of you a plate of smothered pork chops that fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. In 2015, when her husband, Nelson, retired from the FAA, their final move was back to their hometown in the Golden Isles of Georgia. In obedience to God, Carolyn and her family were once again all active together in the same ministry at City of Refuge Mission Family Worship Center in Brunswick, GA. Here, Carolyn served in any and every capacity she could to advance the Kingdom. In February of 2019, Carolyn became an ordained Elder in the Lord’s Church and was always available to give pearls of wisdom and powerful nuggets that would change the lives of all who applied them. From November of 2019, until the Lord called her home, Carolyn suffered the effects of an auto immune disease that dynamically changed her life. Due to this disease and the onset of COVID, Carolyn was prevented from being physically present in the houses service of the Lord. This, however, did not prevent her from being present in the lives of those she loved. Most often filled with words of encouragement, words of correction were also available when needed. Carolyn’s life and love are reflections of her relationship with Christ.

On Monday, February 20, 2023, Elder Carolyn Hines transitioned from this life to her eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara and Sammy and brother James.

She leaves to cherish her legacy and memory, Nelson, her loving husband of 44 years; daughter Angel; son Daniel (Sierra); granddaughters Annaya Hines and Amelia; foster granddaughters Leah, Kendall, and Ellayna; sisters DeBorah (Qiana), Lisa, Deborah, and Cheryl; brother Alan (Maureen), brother Victor Hines, Aunts Lucille and Ella; Uncles Lewis (Connie) Earnest (Veronica), Uncle Al Sheppard, sister cousins Cecilia (Maurice) and Arinella; best friends Carolyn (Larry) and Patricia; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside or funeral services, either inside or outside, must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home or any other facility at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative of each of you for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time in their lives.