Iantha Embry Hines, age 87, died on July 9, 2026 at Seashore Highlands Assisted Living in Gulfport, Mississippi. Iantha, born on July 3, 1939, was a native of Eupora, Mississippi. She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1960. Iantha and her husband, Owen C. Hines, Sr., moved to Long Beach, Mississippi in 1963. Iantha began her career teaching kindergarten with her friend, Mildred Dilley. Later, Iantha taught first grade at Jeff Davis Elementary where she touched many young lives and made lasting friendships with teachers and staff.

Iantha was a long time member of Long Beach First United Methodist Church and the “Polly” Mincher Circle; a member of the Friends of the Long Beach Library; Long Beach Historical Society; O.A.K.S.; Silver Foxes exercise group; Ocean Wave Quilters; Out-to-Lunch Bunch (a group of dear friends); and an active sister in Long Beach P.E.O. Chapter B.

Iantha is survived by her children, Lee Anne Bryant (Mark) and Owen C. Hines, Jr. (Kelly); three grandsons, Matthew Blackmon (Molly), Aidan Hines, Tucker Hines; three great-grandchildren, Sloane Blackmon, Noah Blackmon, Nolan Blackmon; sister, Emma Lee Long; niece, Millie Long Clanton and nephew, Russell Long (Angel).

Iantha was preceded in death by her husband, Owen C. Hines, Sr.; her parents, Russell Embry and Louise Atkinson Embry; her brother-in-law, Leon Long; special cousin, Harriet Embry Walker; and lifelong friend, Sally Marie Eiland Baker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 20, 2026, at First Methodist Church Long Beach, 208 Pine Street with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Graveside service will follow at Long Beach Cemetery at noon.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .

In lieu of flowers and plants, please consider a donation to an organization near and dear to Iantha: First Methodist Women, 208 Pine Street, Long Beach, MS 39560; Friends of the Long Beach Library, 209 Jeff Davis Avenue, Long Beach, MS 39560; or P.E.O. Chapter B (educational scholarships for women), c/o Kathy Cook, 626 Charleston Lane, Long Beach, MS 39560.