Sarah Katherine Ebitz

Sarah Katherine Ebitz, age 90, passed away Thursday, January 6th, 2022 after a long stay in assisted and long term care. She was born to Samuel and Neelie Johnson, December 10, 1931, in Birmingham, AL. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1950 and received her BA in elementary education from Auburn University in 1954. While at Auburn, she met her husband, Ernest Evans Hinson, and they married on June 12, 1954. Newly married, they moved to Baltimore, as part of Ernest’s military service. Katherine taught elementary school in Catonsville MD not far from where one of her daughters currently resides. In 1958, Ernest and Katherine moved back to Pinson, AL. where Ernest established his veterinary practice and they raised their family. Katherine was an active member in the Pinson community and the Pinson United Methodist Church. She served others as a volunteer at the Baptist Montclair Hospital.

Katherine and Ernest had three children: James Hinson, deceased, Vallejo, CA; Sarah Ann Downs of Trussville, AL; and Janet Hinson Shope (Richard) of Ellicott City, MD. After 21 years of marriage, Ernest passed away, in 1976, at the age of 46. Katherine married Oliver Shepherd Ebitz in 1982. Wonderful companions to each other, Katherine and Oliver enjoyed 24 happy years together before Oliver passed away in 2006.

Left to honor her memory and remember her love are her two daughters and her three grandchildren: William Shope (Ashley) of Weehawken, NJ; Sarah Stills (Jordan) of Leonardtown, MD, and Kyle Shope of New York, NY. Through life’s many losses and health challenges, Katherine remained resilient and grateful for the love and care extended to her by her family and her community.

Graveside services will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11 am at Marvins Chapel Cemetery, Pinson United Methodist Church, 4507 Bud Holmes Road, Pinson, AL 35126.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Katherine’s name to Pinson United Methodist Church.