Viola Gurley Hines

Mrs. Viola Gurley Hines was born in Florence, South Carolina, on February 17, 1943, to the late Alberta Anderson Gurley and Albert Gurley. She attended the public schools of Florence County and was employed with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN).

Viola was best known for her beautiful smile and her willingness to help others. She loved spending time with her family and friends and faithfully sang in the Senior Choir. At an early age, she was baptized in Jesus' Name at Highway Christian Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop B. J. Banks. She later united with New Jerusalem Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, where she faithfully worshipped under the leadership of Pastor Linda D. Bailey.

Viola was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Robert Ernest Hines. Together they shared a life built on love, faith, and family.

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, God gently called Viola from labor to eternal rest.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Viola was preceded in death by four sisters, Evelyn Gurley Washington, Carrie Lee Brailford, Janice Gurley Cobb, and Shirley Gurley; five brothers, Nathaniel Gurley, James Thomas Gurley, Russell E. Gurley, David Gurley, and Edward Gurley; and one cherished great-granddaughter, Tahmauri Sims.

Viola leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving children, Diane (Walter) Fulton of Long Island, New York, Bruce Redden of Florence, South Carolina, Anastasia Neat Bedden of Florence, South Carolina, Glenda (Eric) Repass of Florence, South Carolina, Gloria Brockington of Florence, South Carolina, Ray (Debra) Redden, Jr. of Florence, South Carolina, Kim (Chester) Blanks of Darlington, South Carolina, TarShia (Jamaal) Bedden of Florence, South Carolina, Teresa Redden of Florence, South Carolina, and Robert (Cassie) Hines, Jr. She also leaves two sisters, Doretha (Henry) Kelly and Carol Gurley, both of Florence, South Carolina; four brothers, John Gurley, Willie Gurley, Chuckley (Barbara) Gurley, and Phillip Gurley, all of Florence, South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Peggy Thomas of Florence, South Carolina, Margie (Rufus) Byrd of Florence, South Carolina, and Jessie Bedden of Virginia; and her brother-in-law, Buddy (Shirley) Hines of Florence, South Carolina.

Viola was the proud grandmother of twenty-nine grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to raising her own children, she lovingly helped raise her great-granddaughters, Zariah Walters and Diamond Cook, whom she loved dearly and treasured as part of her own. She also shared a special bond with her grandchildren Milaun Walters of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kasyn Green of Darlington, South Carolina. Her legacy of love continues through a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Viola was blessed with special friendships that enriched her life. She held a close bond with Leola Ervin and Lillie Alice Cain, whose friendship brought her much joy throughout the years. The family also expresses sincere appreciation to Andrea Goodman Bailey for her loving care and support.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of McLeod Hospice for the exceptional care shown to Viola during her illness. They also offer special thanks to Judy McEleveen and Elaine Nero for their kindness, prayers, and unwavering support during this difficult time.