Denise Hinson

Denise Hinson (59)  Albuquerque, NM

Denise Hinson of Albuquerque, NM passed away the morning of November 20, 2023, at the age of 59.

An award-winning playwright and screen writer, Denise was a 1982 graduate of Bloomfield High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Literary Arts, from Prescott College (2003), Master of Arts in Humanities from California State University (2009), Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico in Dramatic Writing (2016), and Ph.D. candidate in Women’s Spirituality, California Institute of Integral Studies (2023). 

She worked as an educator in New Mexico for 20 years, was Co-Director of the Bisti Writing Project, Instructor of Humanities at San Juan College, and Curriculum Specialist for Santa Fe Community College. In 2015, Denise joined the staff of the New Mexico School of the Arts (Santa Fe) where she was the driving force behind the creation of its Creative Writing program. During her tenure at NMSA, Denise was the recipient of the “Teachers Who Inspire” award (2019), and held roles as Instructor, Testing coordinator, Chair of Creative Writing and Literature, Vice Principal, and Principal.

Denise will be remembered for her quick wit, intelligence, and genuine passion for the betterment of her students. She looked for the humor in life and enjoyed its simple pleasures, being with her daughters, a quiet night with a good book, family game night, and travelling with her lifelong friend, Kelly Crahan (TX).

Denise is proceeded in death by her mother, Charolette Maxine Hinson. She is survived by daughters, Kailee Rivas and Savannah Rivas, friend Kelly Crahan (TX), brother Dean Hinson, sister in-law Leticia Cruz-Hinson, niece Eva Hinson, Father Dearl Hinson, aunts, and numerous cousins.

At Denise’s request, no funeral service will be held.