SIMONSON—Shannon Hayes Hinson suffered loss, shared love and along the way, tried to make a difference.
Shannon passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018, surrounded by those she loved deeply and who loved and nurtured her until her last breath.
Born March 27, 1953, to Rosalie Kearney Hayes and Ruel Erwin Hayes in Greensboro, N.C., Shannon and her younger sister Melinda thrived in a loving home filled with laughter and where hugs were frequent and freely given. She grew into adulthood, graduated from St. Gertrude’s High School in Richmond in 1971, and then attended Braxton Business School, graduating in 1973.
Shannon met her husband Harold while both were working for Howard P. Foley Company. Their mutual attraction was instantaneous and they married in 1979.
After living in Richmond for eight years, Shannon and Harold decided to make their permanent home in Simonson, a closely-knit, coastal community in the Northern Neck located between Morattico and Lancaster Creeks. They built their home—quite literally—on weekends and holidays. After they moved in and over the next 31 years, Shannon molded their home into a reflection of her eclectic taste and stylish sensibilities. She loved to entertain family and friends, effortlessly organizing intimate gatherings and more large-scale celebrations, delighting all those within her circle of hospitality with her culinary achievements.
Shannon was the consummate business professional. During her early work life, she was employed as the Clerk of the Court for the City of Richmond and as an executive assistant with the Howard P. Foley Company. After relocating to the Northern Neck, Shannon became a licensed real estate agent, joining Rice-Packett Real Estate in Warsaw, and obtaining the prestigious CRS and GRI certifications.
In 1999, Shannon launched an entrepreneurial eBay business. She earned top-rated seller status, eBay’s highest standard for consistently providing the best customer experiences.
As an advocate for the Richmond County Family YMCA, Shannon played an instrumental role in building a community center that has positively impacted lives since 1996. She served as board chairman in the early days, providing leadership and a can-do approach to the fledgling organization and later, as an active volunteer. Shannon contributed endless hours and items to the annual YMCA dinner auctions, fundraisers that supported the Guardian Program, making it possible for every child to participate in YMCA activities. Shannon was also very involved in promoting the efforts and mission of the Warsaw Rotary Club during her husband Harold’s tenure as a member and co-chair of the annual Oktoberfest.
Shannon loved to travel. Some of her happiest moments were with friends and family visiting faraway destinations such as Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Skye, and the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Closer to home, she enjoyed vacations in Nags Head, Florida, Maine and Nova Scotia.
Shannon was preceded in death by her father; and son, Richard “Ricky” Dwayne Hinson.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Harold Hinson; son Thomas Hinson (Christine); daughter-in-law Elsie Hinson; five grandchildren, Brynn, Ryleigh, Irina, Rachael and Rick Jr.; great grandchildren, Jayd, Ayden and Lilly; mother, Rosalie Hayes; mother-in-law, Barbara Hinson; sister, Melinda Hayes (Brian Weiss); brother-in-law, Harvey Hinson (Brenda); nieces and nephews, Brian, Karen, Lisa, Jeff, Jason, Brett, Lauren and Andrew.
A celebration of Shannon’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, September 14, with a visitation period for family and friends from 2-3 pm. at Welch Funeral Home, 10300 Richmond, Road, Warsaw.
Instead of flowers, please consider giving to Shannon’s favorite charity, the Richmond County Family YMCA, Post Office Box 1136, Warsaw, VA 22572.
