Clarice B Hinch

Clarice Butler Hinch was born on May 25, 1931, in Rock Hill, Mississippi, to Lindsey and Madgie Butler. One of twelve children, Clarice was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She was christened and confirmed at Rock Hill Methodist Church.

Clarice began her education in Starkville, Mississippi, later attending L’Ouverture Middle School in St. Louis. She returned to Starkville to complete high school, then enrolled at Harris-Stowe Teachers College. She later transferred to Washington University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree in Education. Clarice served as a dedicated educator in the St. Louis Public School System for over thirty years.

On December 24, 1961, Clarice married Richard Theodore Hinch at LaSalle. A lifelong woman of faith, Clarice was active at LaSalle United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, working faithfully in numerous ministries. In 1981, the family joined Union Memorial United Methodist Church.

Clarice was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She and Richard, also an educator, made tremendous sacrifices to provide the best possible education for their children. Clarice lovingly cared for Richard during his illness until his passing on December 26, 1994. Her life was defined by service—caring for her students as though they were her own, and uplifting friends and family through prayer and presence, especially during their times of need.

Clarice leaves to cherish her memory and to continue her legacy: Vickie Craig, step-daughter; David Hinch, son; and Clarissa Hinch, daughter (Richard Alan Hinch, step-son, and William Douglas Hinch, son, preceded her in death); Bryan Craig, Victor Craig, David Hinch II, Ahmad Hinch, and Ahmon Hinch, grandsons (James Allen Hinch, grandson, preceded her in death); Irene Butler, sister-in-law; Macie Scales, Saundra Gray, Jessica Butler Wilson, Tawanda Butler Gregory, Lesia Butler Ejiro, Phyllis Cooper, Edith (“Edie”) Hinch, and Wanda Hinch, nieces; George Butler, Melvin Butler, Michael Butler, Elliot Butler, Eric Butler, and Lawrence Hinch, nephews; and many great-grandchildren, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends.