Cleo (Hinson) Smith

Remembering Cleo Hinson Smith,

Cleo H. Smith was born August 8, 1930, in Cheraw. S.C. to the late Alonzo Hinson and Lola Hinson, who both preceded her in death. On the morning of Thursday, August 28, 2025, Cleo folded her earthly tent and went home to be with the Lord.

The Life of Cleo Hinson Smith… At just five years old, Cleo began blazing trails as the first person in Cherhaw, SC, to receive penicillin for a severe case of the flu. Although the drug was untested at the time, God saw fit for Cleo to make a full recovery, despite doctors fearing she would not survive the night! Cleo attended Robert Small School in Cheraw, SC, but had to quit school to begin working to help support the family.

Cleo’s first job at the age of nine years old (9) was ironing and folding tablecloths and napkins. With ambition in her heart, she left Cheraw at the age of twelve (12) and moved to Washington, DC. Upon moving, she lived with her relatives, who helped her secure a job as a maid for an elected representative serving in office. She remained in Washington, DC until she was fourteen (14) years old. Cleo then moved to New York City and worked several jobs until she was hired at Consolidated Laundry Services in Brooklyn, NY. After much perseverance and hard work, Cleo was promoted to Union Shop Steward. At the age of sixteen (16) while living in New York, Cleo’s mother permitted her to marry Theodore Smith. Cleo and Theodore raised a wonderful son, Theodore Alexander Smith (Teddy), who also preceded her in death.

While working for Consolidated Laundry Services, Cleo also attended cosmetology school at night. She graduated, receiving a New York State Cosmetology License in 1965. Following graduation, she secured yet another major achievement in by opening ‘ Magnificent Hair’ salon with her sister, Mrs. Rosa M. Howard. Cleo continued to do hair even after their salon was sold in 1989, and she moved to High Point, North Carolina.

Upon moving to High Point, North Carolina, in 1989, she purchased her very first home from Temple Memorial Baptist Church, with the assistance of her brother and church member, Deacon Theodore Mack. Cleo also became a member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in 1989. Serving God is what she did! Cleo enjoyed her life in High Point, living amongst her niece and sister, Shirley and Denise Hinson, who also preceded her in death (2021). The three of them would enjoy walking to church together every Sunday, a tradition they cherished. Cleo was the rock of the family, providing help and wisdom to friends and family on countless occasions. Cleo will be sorely missed but will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

Cleo’s loving memories will be cherished by her brother, Theodore Mack; granddaughter, Lenora Moore; great-grandchildren, Darnell, Denzel, Dante, and Mrs. Danielle Smith; goddaughter, Natasha Guzman; as well as the Milton Howard and family, Stewart Henderson and family, the Jenkins family, Mary Lee Shields and family, Isabel Hill and family, Lottie Winters and family, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Special acknowledgements to best friends, Faye Jones and Louise Thompson

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 715 W. Willis Ave, High Point, NC. The family will receive visitors and friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. A burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

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