Genevieve H. Means

1923 - 2016

Genevieve Hinton Means

September 24, 1923 - August 22, 2016

Durham

Genevieve Hinton Means, 92, died peacefully at the Croasdaile Village Pavilion on Monday, August 22nd following a long illness. She was the daughter of the late William A. Hinton and Mina Kelly Hinton of Apex. She was preceded in death by her brother, William A. Hinton, Junior. Genevieve was a graduate of Bells School in Chatham County and Meredith College in Raleigh.

Genevieve began her career as an educator as the Director of a preschool in Winston-Salem during World War II. There she cared lovingly for the children while their mothers worked in the Radar Factory. Her hard work and dedication did not go un-noticed as a fellow teacher decided to introduce Gen to her nephew, Dick, who was home from the war on leave. This was how Genevieve met her beloved husband of 67 years.

After getting married, Genevieve worked in the Greensboro and Durham Public School Systems for a combined time of 18 years. She initially taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade and also spent some time working with the parks and recreation department in their summer programs. She spent her last years teaching remedial reading, which was particularly rewarding to her.

Genevieve was baptized in the New Hope Creek as a member of the Olive Chapel Baptist Church congregation in Chatham County. She and her husband moved to Durham in 1951 when he enrolled at Duke University. They joined Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, where she and her family were active members. There she enjoyed her work in the children's programs, and was a member of the Lillie B. Duke Sunday School Class and Women's Circle 8. She was supportive of her children's schools and teachers, and was a member of the Morehead School PTA.

Genevieve was an excellent cook but her first love was the game of golf, a love shared by her husband Dick. This led them to build their retirement home in Preston Woods Country Club in Cary, where they experienced several years of happiness as members of the golf community. They later relocated to Croasdaile Village where they were thankful to reconnect with many Durham church members and long time friends. These many friendships brought them great joy and comfort.

Genevieve is survived by her husband, Dick Means. She is also survived by her daughter Janet Lea Means of Marietta, Georgia and her daughter Cheryl Means Howlett of Chapel Hill, a son-in-law Chris Howlett, and two grandchildren, Kathryn and Christen Howlett.

A memorial service will be celebrated in the Few Chapel of the Croasdaile Village Retirement Community on Friday, September 2nd at 3 PM. Reverend Laurie Hayes Coffman will officiate. Following the service there will be a reception in the Great Hall at the Homestead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Croasdaile Employee Appreciation Fund, c/o United Methodist Retirement Homes at 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Suite A 500, Durham, North Carolina 27705.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of the Croasdaile Village Pavilion who tirelessly cared for Genevieve, and to Duke Hospice.

A full obituary may be seen at CremationSocietyNC.com. Condolences to the family and tributes to Genevieve may also be shared on this website.