Naomi Bussell Hinton

Naomi Elizabeth Bussell Hinton was born on August 10, 1946, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to William and Juanita Bussell. She peacefully transitioned on September 11, 2025, at West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Facility, surrounded by love and faith.

Naomi gave her life to Christ at an early age at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where her spiritual journey began. At just 12 years old, she met 14-year-old Daniel “Danny” Joseph Hinton. Their friendship blossomed through shared church activities—Junior Choir, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Baptist Training Union (BTU). After Danny’s discharge from the U.S. Army, their bond deepened, and they married on January 27, 1967. Naomi brought two young children into the union, and together they were blessed with three more, forming a beautiful, blended family rooted in love and faith.

Family meant everything to Naomi. She and Danny created lasting memories with their children—road trips in the station wagon to the Smoky Mountains, Cherokee, North Carolina, Bristol drag races, fishing trips, picnics, drive-ins, and admiring Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. She instilled a deep love for God in her children, involving them in Sunday School, worship services, Junior Choir, VBS, Youth Day, and church plays.

Naomi was a gifted and self-taught seamstress whose passion for sewing was evident in every stitch she made. Her talent found a home in several workplaces, including Standard Knitting Mills, Camels Tent Company, and Levi Strauss Jeans, where she brought both skill and heart to her craft.

Later in life, Naomi expanded her creative repertoire by learning to crochet from her beloved mother-in-law, Annie Ruth Scott. What began as a new hobby quickly became another avenue for her generosity and artistry. She delighted in creating heartfelt gifts for family and friends—afghans, baby blocks, doll furniture, tissue covers, and doll clothes—all crafted with care and affection. Her most cherished creations were her crochet dolls, each one a testament to her patience, creativity, and love.

Naomi’s legacy lives on in the warmth of her handmade treasures and the memories she wove into the lives of those she touched.

As her family grew, Naomi embraced her role as “Nana” with joy and grace. She was Nana to many and never met a stranger. Her home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. To know Naomi was to feel welcomed, cherished, and uplifted.

Her faith was unwavering. Naomi witnessed to others by sharing her testimony and proclaiming the goodness of God. Even during hospital stays and rehabilitation, she reminded everyone that God was still blessing her and that her work was not yet done. Her strength and devotion touched countless lives.

Naomi remained a faithful member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church throughout her life. When her health prevented her from attending in person, she continued to worship online. Her ministry work included singing in the choir, leading the Junior Red Circle, directing the Youth Choir and VBS, serving as President of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry, creating church bulletins, and writing and directing church plays.

Naomi was preceded in death by parents, William and Juanita Bussell; sisters, Alma Phillips, Myrtle Cannon, Barbara Brown; brothers, Charles Sr., Kermit, Ford, William Jr., and Robert Bussell; twin grandsons, Phillip and Patrick Dailey; granddaughter, Sydney Lyons; son-in-law, Rev. Gregory E. Sawyer. 

She leaves to cherish her memories:  loving, devoted husband and caregiver, Daniel Hinton Sr.; loving children, Titonia Sawyer; William George Chandler; Danetta (Keith) Dailey; Daniel Jr. (Tamara); LaCrechia (George) Lyons, Chester, VA; who along with their father provided 24/7 care over the last six months; grandchildren, Daniel (Chananel) Sawyer; Jessica Bailey, Charlotte, NC; Whitney Sawyer; Darius Roberts; Victoria (Courtland Jr.) Styles;  Will Chandler; Joshua (Shadricka) Sawyer; Kendra Dailey; Maya and Angela Lyons, Chester, VA;  Alexis Hinton; Joseph Chandler; Trevor and Dominic Hinton; 13 (and one on the way) great-grandchildren; brother, Ronnie Bussell; brothers-in-law, Arvin (Mary), Athens, GA;  Tim; Jerry (Melanie), Indianapolis, IN; Franklin Gregory; and Kurt Scott; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; a very devoted church family (New Salem Baptist Church), especially Pastor Sanford and First Lady Latoya Miller.  A special thank you to West Hills Rehabilitation Facility, specifically the respiratory technicians, nurses, and CNAs.

Public Viewing, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 2041 Bethel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Family visitation Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, 2101 Ault Rd, Knoxville, TN 37914, from 6:00-7:00 PM, with funeral service to follow. Dr. George W.C. Lyons, Jr., Officiant. Rev. Sanford Miller, Sr., Eulogist. Interment Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM, East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan and Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com