Ellen Hinson McKeithan

July 10, 2011
Ellen Hinson McKeithan


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Ellen Hinson Mckeithan of Wilmington passed away Sunday July 10, 2011 at home.

She was born on November 7, 1941 in Wilmington NC, the daughter of Gaynelle Hinson and the late Walter Lewis Hinson.

She was a dedicated English teacher and remembered her students from Sunset Park Jr. High, Williston, New Hanover High School and John T. Hoggard High School fondly all of her life.

Ellen was a member of Sierra Club and Beta Sigma Phi and had many life long friends from both organizations. She participated in the Azalea Festival parades and art show for many years and continued to support the arts and theater in a variety of ways whenever possible. Her compassion for animals led her to adopt numerous rescue cats and dogs that gave her great joy and provided loving homes for the remainder of their lives.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Mckeithan Rabon of Wilmington, her two brothers Walter Lewis (W.L.) Hinson and (wife) Joyce of Wilmington, Stanley Wayne Hinson and (wife) Paulette of Evergreen, her sister Patra Charles of Wilmington, and four nephews and a niece.

A celebration of her life will be held at her home on Thursday, July 28th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friends of Felines or your local Humane Society.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • July 13, 2011
    James Turner says:
    I have only had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. McKeithan for little over a year. She had a spark, sense of humor and honesty about her that I always admired. My condolences to the family, I know she will be missed.

  • July 24, 2011
    Nancy Stephens Pittenger says:
    I had Ms. McKeithan in the 9th grade at Williston. She was one of my favorite teachers. English was one of my favorite subjects. She was such a sweet lady. I am sure she will be missed by many. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. Please know that are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • July 20, 2011
    Bill Haydis says:
    Sadly, I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ms. McKeithan directly, but know her through her daughter, Tracy. Ellen did a fine job, and should be proud of her girl. Knowing that she loved animals and was active in the arts is only the tip of the iceberg of someone I know through Tracy was a wonderful woman and a true gift to this world...

  • July 17, 2011
    Pam Tressler says:
    Ms McKeithan was my homeroom teacher and English teacher at Hoggard 82-86. I also had her for student assistant. I really enjoyed having her as my teacher.She used to talk to me all the time about what she wanted me to do with my life when I graduated. I still remember the book she gave me when I graduated. I have thought about her so many times over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. S

  • July 13, 2011
    Carol Gerock says:
    Words cannot express my sadness that Ellen is no longer with us. She was a dear, dear friend with whom I always felt comfortable. I loved her laugh, her funny stories and her gift of creativity. She was sharing with me Tuesday night, about one of her favorite authors, Agatha Resin and she had me laughing. I will miss her so much.