Hinson Franklin Finney, affectionately known as “Sonny” was born to the late Jacob and Idella Finney on July 13, 1936, in Pocomoke City, MD. He transitioned from this earthly life to reward on Monday morning, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Hinson was a lifelong resident of Pocomoke City and attended school at Tindleys Chapel one room schoolhouse assisted by the families of Gladys Bivens and Geraldine Waters. He graduated from Worcester High School in the year 1954. Hinson married Mable L. Maddox on May 9th ,1959 at Waters Chapel in Kingston, MD. They were married for 65 years, and from this union had one daughter, Tywana.
After graduating, he proudly enlisted and served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1963. He returned home to Pocomoke, assisting his father with the family farm, harvesting crops and attending barber school. He became a master barber, owning a barbershop in town with friend “Buddy” Ballard for a decade.
Hinson began his career as a bus driver while substituting for his father in Worcester County. For 56 years, Hinson was known for driving bus #65 and was perhaps one of the most beloved school bus drivers in our community. He deeply cherished his role of ensuring the safety and well-being of countless children as they journeyed to and from school. He loved taking the kids to the Pony Ranch and McDonalds for food, playing the latest hits on his 8 track or cassette player, and driving for many sports games and band parades. He, along with his wife, would give students different gifts for Christmas. All who rode his bus knew he kept a tight ship but led with love.
He was a devoted steward of the land and a true outdoorsman. Hinson was a phenomenal hunter, fisherman and gardener, and he enjoyed sharing the bounty from his many adventures with his family and community. He often spent his days nurturing his garden and relaxing with family and friends in his tool shed an area the kids referred to as the “Honey Hole”. The “Honey Hole” was a place of entertainment for family and friends with food, music and card games. Hinson and his beloved wife also spent over 3 decades nurturing and raising chickens for Perdue Farms. They cultivated a thriving poultry operation that was consistently recognized as one of the top producers in the region.
Hinson joined Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in 1961 during the merger of Tindley Chapel and Mt. Zion memberships. He led many organizations in Mt. Zion, including being co-founder of The Tindley Committee, the charge of Trustees, Usher Board, Finance Committee, Administrative Boards, Choir Director, the Church United Methodist Men, and kitchen committee. He was a member of Prince Hall Unionville Lodge #45 and became a 32-Degree Mason. As a Mason, he served as a Master and a Past Master, enjoying cooking for various lodge events including barbeques and dinners. He remained a Mason for 68 years and held the achievement of becoming a lifelong Mason.
Hinson held many positions in various civic and community organizations including being a member of the Board of Social Service and Commission, Human Relations Commission, the State Farm Service Agency Commission, Maryland State Agriculture Advisory Board, the Board of Hartley Hall, the State Board of Elections, and the Board of Zoning Committee in Worchester County, MD.
In the days, weeks, and years to come, we will all keenly feel Hinson’s absence, but we will take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives in each of us- in the lessons he taught, the lives he touched and the love he shared so generously. He has shown us what it means to live a life of purpose and integrity. His spirit will continue to inspire us all to work hard, play hard, and always strive to do what is right and help others. Let us honor Hinson’s memory by carrying forward his values. In doing so, we ensure that the impact of his remarkable life continues to ripple outward, touching lives for generations to come. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was deeply loved and will be forever missed.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 65 years, Mable L. Finney; one daughter, Tywana Jackson (John); two grandchildren, Jamar Jackson (Brichelle), and Jasmine Whiting (Kenneth); four great grandchildren, Jeremiah Whiting, Teressa Smith-Whiting, Justyce Williams, and Anastasia Whiting; one sister-in-law, Evang. Marcella Styles; one brother-in-law, Javan Styles (Delores), and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is predeceased by his sister, Gloria Carter; adopted brother, Roger Ames; nephew, Herman Carter III; and cousin, Charles Council.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the old order of things has passed.” Revelation 21:4
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Pocomoke High School, 1817 Old Virginia Road, Pocomoke City, MD with a viewing one-hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Friday, May 2, 2025, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 407 Oxford Street, Pocomoke City. Ceremonial rites will be performed by Unionville Masonic Lodge #45 (PHA) of Pocomoke City at 7:00 PM.
Interment will be at Tindley’s Chapel Cemetery, Pocomoke City.
34 Responses
My prayers are with you and your family Sister Mabel
Sending my heartfelt condolences you and your family during this difficult time. May our Lord Jesus the Christ wrap you all in his loving arms to bring you comfort during this your time of sorrow. Rev. Stetson Elroy Lane Jr ENON BAPTIST CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE CRISFIELD MARYLAND
I understand, Sister Mabel. Take comfort in knowing Christ is with you as are a host of friends. Love and prayers .
Prayers and condolences to all of you. 🙏🫶🏽🙏
mr finney was a good friend to many an will be remembered dearly rest in peace my friend
Dear Milton and Family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Cousin Herman. May God grant you Peace, Strength and Grace during this difficult
time. May precious memories sustain you and bring you comfort. Peace and Blessings Always, Anita Maddox Jackson
Mrs. Finney and family, please accept my prayers and condolences as you celebrate the iconic and illustrious life of a faithful servant and a steadfast leader. May God grant you comfort and peace as you
navigate this very difficult time.
George Ward, Lloyd Ward, and Samuel Ward
Family, I pray that God will continue to strengthen you all, and give you His Peace 🕊️🙏🏽💕
Pastor J. Jackson & Finney Family,
Sincere sympathy to the family in the passing of your love one. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Cherish the precious memories that will linger in your hearts forever.
Maria Jones Sending my love and prayers to you during this difficult time.I pray that God will give you strength to endure in the loss of your husband.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Mabel Finney and family. I met Mr. Hinson through Mrs. Finney after working with her for many years. A great man! Bus #65! He will be missed.
My dear friend may you R.I.P I know heaven has gained an angel no one deserves their wings more than you. McDonald’s will never be the same without you, sharing fishing stories,bus stories and many others. You will surely be missed Hinson Finney. Love you my brother in Christ
My deepest sympathy to the
Family of Mr. Hinson Finney.
I have fond memories of him and his family at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. We had unity as Ushers there he was our President. I rode bus #65 to school.
Mr. Finney was very nice to know. I will miss him.
🎵”It’s Me O Lord Standing in the Need of Prayer”🎵 🕊🎵🕊🙏🎵
Elder Finney and family, my Prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May the Peace and Comfort of God sustain you.
RIP, Mr. Finney, I am going to miss you.
Condolences to the Family. I first met Mr. Finney in 1966. Although I lived in Snow Hill…I rode his bus (#65) for a couple of years. He picked us up (Market Street) on his route from Pocomoke to Worcester High School. We were the last group to board and the first group to disembark in the Afternoon. Considering the amount of students on his bus…”Acting a Fool”…he was very patient with us and seldom raised his voice. You will be truly missed.
RIP
Great loss in your family. Heartfelt sympathy. Prayers for you and the family.
Mr. Finney was certainly a great man. He
Loved his family. I was blessed to be a part of the family.
I love you uncle Sunny! I literally only have one memory of you but I know just by that one, you were one amazing human being I was prolly in about 6 or 7th grade and my grandfather brought us all down to see the family I remember you pulling up to house in your truck and all I could think was that a nice truck and you got out with such a big smile 😃 ear to ear smile one that just make you feel welcomed. And I remember you had big ears to lol and I loved them. lol I still love guys with big ears to this day I think it’s cuz it reminded me of you. God bless and comfort the family in this time. I know you are missed and cherish by many. I truly wish I had more memories with you because I know you were amazing!
Heartfelt sympathy to the family. So glad I was able to be a part of your family. Mr. Finney was a great man. He loved his family. You all stay Strong. God is your strength.
Tywana, so sorry for the loss of your Dad! Wishing U happy memories and peace during this time.
May you take comfort in knowing that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and your mind during this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you Elder Finney.
With heartfelt love, Rev. Gloria Ortiz Shupe and Members of Cathedral of Deliverance Church.
Please accept our deepest condolence’s for the passing of your love one. Prayer’s to the family and friends.
Mrs. Mabel & Family sending heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Mr. Hinson will surely be missed by many.
Sympathy goes out to all Family and friends of Mr Henson FINNEY. He was friend of the Family of late Powell D and Recie L Marshall.
Sympathy and prayers to the family of Mr. Hinson. He was well respected and loved along with Mrs. Mable. From the family of the late Earl J. Ballard, Jr. (Wife Vermel and children).
Mr. Finney will be greatly missed. Sending my condolences and prayers to the Finney family (from the Kane family).
Mr. Finney was a fine and caring man who gave so much to the community. As a neighbor, one couldn’t ask for anyone finer, particularly when he shared his gardening advice and skills. He was loved by many and to cite Jimi Hendrix “The story of love is hello and goodbye until we meet again”.
My condolences to Mrs. Finney, her family, and friends.
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Finney. His leadership and encouragement during our time working together with the Board of Elections will always be remembered and treasured. He was definitely a pilar in the church and community and his presence will be missed. Thank you for your service.
🌹Mrs Mabel Finney, Rev Jamar Jackson, Tywana and family, sending my sincere condolences and prayers. Hinson was a great man whom I will miss. May God grant you comfort and peace. June Johnson and Family. 🙏🙏❤️
Mr. Finney was an icon at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and in the Pocomoke community. As a member of Mt. Zion, I would always enjoy hearing him sing with the Gospel Tributes, the Senior Choir, and the United Methodist Men’s choir. Mr. Finney loved to sing the “Songs of Zion.” He could sing both tenor & bass and his voice would certainly fill the walls of Mt. Zion. He would often direct the Youth & Young Adult choir of which I was a member. During my high school years at Pocomoke High, I often rode bus #65 to soccer & basketball games, and Christmas parades. Mr. Finney’s legacy will definitely continue through his family. My sincerest condolences & prayers are extended to Mrs. Finney, Tywana, & her family. May God’s peace be with all of you during this difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences to you, Mabel, Tywanna, and the Finney family. Although I am not there with you, I hold you close in my heart! May the Lord bless you, comfort you, and keep you in perfect peace. I love you all !!🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to Cousin Mable, Tywana, Jamar and the rest of the family. May His peace and comfort surround you today and in the days to come. Just know that you are not alone because His word promises to be with you always.
Mr.Finney Presence Will Be Greatly Missed. Condolences To His Family, Friends And Church Family