Maria Francesca Hines

In Loving Memory of Maria Hines
March 4, 1972 – May 22, 2026

With deep love and heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of Maria Hines, who was born on March 4, 1972, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and peacefully transitioned while surrounded by the love of her family.

Maria was born to Mary Buels-Bey Long Hines and Douglas Louis Hines. Raised with the strength, resilience, and love that would become hallmarks of her own life, she was a fighter in every sense of the word. Tough, strong-willed, and determined, she faced life the same way she faced her battle with cancer—with courage, grit, and an unshakable spirit. She fought hard until the very end. Her strength inspired everyone around her, and even during difficult moments, Maria carried herself with resilience and grace.

To know Maria was to know a woman with a heart as big as her personality. She was incredibly kind but also firm, loving but unapologetically tough. She knew exactly who she was and wasn't easily swayed.

Maria found joy in the simple things that made life sweet. She loved fishing, shopping, sitting outside with her girls, and spending time with neighbors. She enjoyed keeping her feet and nails done and believed in taking care of herself while still taking care of everyone around her.

She was more than a neighbor, she was the, “neighborhood’s mama.” Maria became a second mother to many of the youth in her community. Kids knew they could come to her for a meal, encouragement, advice, or simply a safe place to be. If someone was in need, Maria helped however she could. She watched over neighborhood children as if they were her own. Whether she was feeding somebody, helping out, or sneaking a little something extra their way, she'd do it with a smile and jokingly say, "Now don't go saying you got that from me!" If anyone came to her with a problem, she was going to help if she could. That was simply who she was.

Maria was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mary Buels-Bey Long Hines and Douglas Hines, her cherished sister, Esther Cornelius (Phillip), and brother, Louis Hines.

Maria's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a mother. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Leonard Johnson Jr., and her treasured grandson, Len’Tayvion Johnson, whom she loved dearly.

She also leaves behind her devoted longtime companion and partner, Rodney “Sammy Lane” Williams, who shared many years of love, laughter, and life with her.

Maria's memory will live on through her sisters: Adeline Hicks, Ramona Buels-Bey, Lisa Long, Rosa Long, Joyce Haynes, Donna Broyles, Angelique Hines (Tito), Charo Hines, and Cynthia Fowler; her brothers: Darryl Long, Douglas Fowler (Sherri) and Douglas Hines Jr.; her cherished sister-friends Shelly Judson and Nicole Robinson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbors, and all those whose lives were touched by her love.

Maria leaves behind a legacy not only of strength, but of community, compassion, and fierce love. Her life was proof that family is not always defined by blood, it is built through care, loyalty, and showing up for people when they need you most.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing her love and lessons will live on in all of us.

Well done, Maria. Rest peacefully. Your fight is over, and your love remains forever.

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