Hiawatha Smith-Gist (Aunt Dump)
Hiawatha “Aunt Dump” Smith-Gist was the eleventh child of William and Rachel. She was married to Whitner Gist, and together they lived in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. According to Ancestry records, they had the following children: sons Fred, Louis, William, and James F., and daughters Maudestine, Laura, Francis, Ruby, and Margurite.
FAMILY PHOTOS
Enjoying a day with Dad. Pictured seated in the center is Whiter Gist Sr. Pictured on the right is sons James, William, and daughter Margaret. Pictured on the left son Whitner Jr., and daughter Frances (Polly). Left front is daughter Ruby. Center front with the big smile is daughter Laura.
Mardestine Gist-Rhinehart the daughter of Whitner and Hiawatha Gist.
Whitner Jr. and Barbara lived in Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey
Sherry is the daughter of Ruby Gist-Boler, and the granddaughter Hiawatha and Whitner Sr. She currently lives in Pittsburg, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Prior to retiring, Sherry worked for the United Steelworkers for 43 years.
Sisters enjoying a moment during Sherry's retirement party. They are the daughters of Ruby Gist-Boler and the granddaughters of Whitner and Hiawatha Smith-Gist.
First cousins enjoying a moment together at Sherry Boler's retirement party. Pictured on the left is Lilly Gist, the daughter of Frances Gist. Center is Sherry Boler, and pictured on the right is Darlene Rhinehart, the daughter of Mardestine Gist-Rhinehart. All of them are the granddaughters of Whitner and Hiawatha Smith-Gist.
Avis, Debbie, Shawna, and Sylvia living in Pittsburg, PA, are the daughters of William Gist, and the granddaughters of Whitner and Hiawatha Smith-Gist.
Christeleen gained her heavenly wings on October 24, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Christelene, affectionately known as Chris, was the daughter of Leroy Rhinehart and Mardestine Gist-Rhindhart and the granddaughter of Whitney Gist and Hiawatha Smith-Gist.
Chris was born on January 4, 1951, in Union, South Carolina. She grew up in Pittsburg, PA where she attended Pittsburg Public School and was educated at Oliver High School. In her early years, she worked at Pittsburg Black Action where her strength, compassion, and commitment to community service shone brightly. Those who knew Chris knew that her heart was her home and her home was open to all. Fiercely committed to family, she created a safe haven where anyone could find a warm hug, a listening ear, or a hot meal. Her love for her children and grandchildren was unmatched, but it extended far beyond her immediate family. She opened her doors and her heart to her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, often welcoming their friends as well. To know Chris was truly to love her.
Chris was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Mardistine Rhinehart, brother Leroy, and beloved daughter-in-law, Shawna. To celebrate and cherish her memory, she leaves behind her devoted children, Cornell “Graigy” Rhineheart, and Tiffany (Timothy) Terry: her devoted partner Perry, her precious grandchildren Crayonna, Trevon, Timothy, Chanell, Tamya, and Trinity; her great grandchildren, her loving siblings, Mardistine, Daryl, and Cynthia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to have known and loved her.
Chris lived a life rooted in love, generosity, and faith. A life that touched many hearts and left a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of her story. Though she has departed this earthly home, her spirit lives on in every warm embrace, every shared meal, and every act of kindness done in her name.
Chris is pictured above centered along with her beloved children — son Craigy on her left and daughter Tiffany on her right.