Celebrating the life of
Louise Hodges Hinely
October 25, 1922 - January 29, 2015
Louise Hodges Russell Hinely died on Jan. 29, 2015 at home on Talahi Island after a long illness. She was 92 years old, Born in Statesboro on Oct. 25, 1922. She moved to Savannah as a child and married Robbie Russell, Jr. on Sept. 6, 1939. Louise owned and operated “Russell’s Florist” on Waters Ave. and later Skidaway Rd. from 1952 to 1992 (40 years).
She is survived by her only child – loving son – Gene Russell of Las Vegas, NV, loving grandson Robbie Russell III of Savannah, three loving nephews: Chris Morrison of Savannah, Jeff and Greg Morrison of Kentucky, (who all called her “weezie” – because as a children – they could not pronounce “Louise” – but that nickname stuck even until now), loving daughter –in-law Alicia and her best friend – 95 year old Lillian Sterling, plus two other grand children – Vince of Las Vegas, and Holly of Atlanta. Vince and Holly are mentioned last because, sadly, they were not able to have spent a lot of time with Louise, because of living away from Savannah most of their lives.
Mommie was a very optimistic, hard working and dedicated person to her family. Her favorite saying was: “This too will pass.” Meaning to her that: “no matter how bad things are right now – everything will be okay soon, so don’t worry.”
Her 40 years of working was just the beginning of her work. At 70 years old she then was called upon to take care of her brother – Bob Hodges, who came back from World War II with physical & emotional problems, because of the events he witnessed on Okinawa and Guadalcanal. After his passing – she then had to care for her mother Sudie Nolen in her home for over 3 years until she too passed. Then she was called on to care for her sister – Bette Morrison (my aunt) until her passing. Then she had to take care and nurse her husband Edward Hinely who she was married to for about 30 years. He passed about 4 years ago.
So since my mom’s “retirement” at age 70, she nursed and cared for (4) family members for 16 straight years. So wasn’t really able to retire until she was 86 years old.
As you might expect at age 89 she began having physical ailments herself. Then at age 90 she developed Alzheimer’s / dementia disease. In mom’s 90 years of life she really only had (1) year of peaceful retirement – that is age 89 until age 90.
So she was a tired little lady when she died. I think her cause of death was in reality exhaustion. Everybody I know loved and respected Louise (I mean everybody).
Graveside Service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
By her son:
Gene Russell
My deepest condolence to the Hinely family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise at Isaiah 33:24. Also during the days to come, may "Nana" Hinely's sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- A. Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
I have always called her "NANA" just as her grandchildren did. She always had a special place in my heart. Whenever I spoke with her by phone, she made me smile and reminded me that she loved me. I thank God that she was in my life for a long time and I know she is wearing her little wings and is peaceful and joyous. I will miss you my sweet friend.
- Kitty Mayne, Tuscaloosa, Al.
Robbie and family so sorry for your loss. Ms. Louise was such a beautiful sweet lady.
- Edward & Denise Walker, Ludowici, GA
Aunt Weezie was one of those "perpetual" people. She had always been there and, though we knew it really wasn't so, she seemed like she always would be there. I have clear memories, warm ones, of much time spent in her company as a child. Time spent in the shop on Waters Avenue. To this day when I walk into a floral shop, I can close my eyes and picture every inch of Russell's Florist, like playing back a home movie. Happy hours crabbing on the Savannah River with back yard crab boils, reading comic books in the living room of the house on E 41st St. Thirty years after his divorce from her sister (my mother) my late father spoke warmly of her and *always* considered her to be his family. Two years ago, shortly before she turned 90, knowing that "forever" Weezie was not really forever, I took a road trip south to see her. Her Alzheimers was in early stages and some days she did not want company. Fortunately, on the day I was in Savannah she did. We had a wonderful day together, drinks & lunch on the water at the Crab Shack. And several hours of reminiscing. She commented repeatedly how she had not had such a nice a day in a long time. I am very grateful that I had that day with her, in spite of the Alzheimers, she was indeed the Weezie I had known all my life. I have that memory, along with all the others, to carry with me. As long as I am alive, Aunt Weezie will always be there for me. My condolences to you, cousin Gene. She was a great lady. —Greg Morrison, Bardstown, KY
- Greg Morrison, Bardstown, KY
My sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one.May the God of comfort grant you his peace as you await the fulfillment of his promise at Revelation 21:3,4,And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, the former things have passed away.
- Henry , Lauderdale lake's , FL.
My deepest condolence to the Hinely family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise at Isaiah 33:24. Also during the days to come, may "Nana" Hinely's sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- A. Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
I have always called her "NANA" just as her grandchildren did. She always had a special place in my heart. Whenever I spoke with her by phone, she made me smile and reminded me that she loved me. I thank God that she was in my life for a long time and I know she is wearing her little wings and is peaceful and joyous. I will miss you my sweet friend.
- Kitty Mayne, Tuscaloosa, Al.
Robbie and family so sorry for your loss. Ms. Louise was such a beautiful sweet lady.
- Edward & Denise Walker, Ludowici, GA
Aunt Weezie was one of those "perpetual" people. She had always been there and, though we knew it really wasn't so, she seemed like she always would be there. I have clear memories, warm ones, of much time spent in her company as a child. Time spent in the shop on Waters Avenue. To this day when I walk into a floral shop, I can close my eyes and picture every inch of Russell's Florist, like playing back a home movie. Happy hours crabbing on the Savannah River with back yard crab boils, reading comic books in the living room of the house on E 41st St. Thirty years after his divorce from her sister (my mother) my late father spoke warmly of her and *always* considered her to be his family. Two years ago, shortly before she turned 90, knowing that "forever" Weezie was not really forever, I took a road trip south to see her. Her Alzheimers was in early stages and some days she did not want company. Fortunately, on the day I was in Savannah she did. We had a wonderful day together, drinks & lunch on the water at the Crab Shack. And several hours of reminiscing. She commented repeatedly how she had not had such a nice a day in a long time. I am very grateful that I had that day with her, in spite of the Alzheimers, she was indeed the Weezie I had known all my life. I have that memory, along with all the others, to carry with me. As long as I am alive, Aunt Weezie will always be there for me. My condolences to you, cousin Gene. She was a great lady. —Greg Morrison, Bardstown, KY
- Greg Morrison, Bardstown, KY
My sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one.May the God of comfort grant you his peace as you await the fulfillment of his promise at Revelation 21:3,4,And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, the former things have passed away.
- Henry , Lauderdale lake's , FL.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
