America "Susie" Mathis Himes of Hampton, VA, died Saturday, January 14, 2017.  A native of Wilkesboro, NC, she had been a resident of Hampton since 1944.  She worked at N.A.C.A. Langley from January, 1944 to January, 1954.  She worked at Langley Air Force Base Hospital from 1967 until she retired in 1986.  Mrs. Himes was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hampton, Virginia for over 60 years.  She was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (N.A.R.F.E) for many years.
Mrs. Himes was preceded in death by her husband Addison "Red" Himes, Sr., and fourteen brothers and sisters, all from Wilkesboro, NC.  She is survived by one daughter, Susan H. Brady and her husband David of Yorktown; two sons Dr. Addison C. "Buddy" Himes, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Nacogdoches, TX; and Robert Gregg Himes of Hampton; three grandchildren Nicholas Brady and wife Livia, of Newport News; Elizabeth Himes, of Houston, TX; and Addison C. "Trey" Himes, III, wife Brooke, and great-granddaughter Anna, of Lawrenceville, GA.
In later life Mrs. Himes was very proud of her name America.  Her wish is to have the hymn America the Beautiful sung at her funeral.  Mrs. Himes enjoyed extensive traveling.  She traveled to all 50 states and over 40 countries around the world, visiting many two times or more.  She was an ardent Redskins' football fan, attending many of their home games and four of their Super Bowls.  She also loved the Virginia Tech Hokies and looked forward to attending at least one game per year with her daughter and grandson.
Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, downtown Hampton on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.  The funeral will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 23 Semple Farm Rd., Hampton, VA, officiated by Rev. Jacob May.  Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, VA.
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 23 Semple Farm Rd., 23666.