Barbara Jean Hinson

Barbara Jean Leonard Hinson, age 81, passed away on Tuesday December 17, 2024, at the Four Seasons Retirement Community in Columbus, Indiana. She was born on July 11, 1943, in Wake County, North Carolina, to Willard Martin Leonard and Hallie Hawkins Fish Leonard.

Barbara grew up in Lillington, North Carolina, and went on to attend Campbell College in Buies Creek, NC, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1965. She later achieved a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University in 1971.

On June 1, 1963, Barbara married Layton Liston Hinson, Jr. The couple moved to Columbus, Indiana in December 1966, where they raised two sons, Kevin and Chris. They divorced in 1989.

Barbara was a dedicated educator in Bartholomew County, teaching preschool at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church and elementary grades at Southside, Mount Healthy, McKinley, Richards, and Parkside schools.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Kevin and Chris Hinson; her sisters, Joy Dawson and Patricia Mitchell; her brother, Timothy (Tim) Leonard, and four grandchildren.

Barbara had a love for travel, with her trips to Europe and Egypt among her most cherished memories. She was an animal lover, and always had a cat companion by her side over the years. She was also an avid reader, sharing her passion for books with both her children and students. Barbara enjoyed gardening, cooking, needlepoint, and quilting; making quilts for her family and friends. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed volunteering for events such as the annual smorgasbord.

Barbara’s warm spirit and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday January 4th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Four Seasons Retirement Community, in a private room in the Dining Area. Barbara will be laid to rest at a later date in Wake County, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Barbara’s name to either Learning Tree Preschool at First United Methodist Church or Community Animal Rescue Effort, Inc in Columbus, IN.

Please leave a fond memory of Barbara at www.Myers-Reed.com.

Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St. is serving the Hinson family.