Virginia Hinkle

Virginia L. Hinkle, affectionately called Sissy, 73, was received into the loving arms of her Savior, on February 03, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born in Clarksville, AR on October 5, 1949; one of five children born to Felix May Sr. and Lucky May. She was a 1967 graduate of Northside High School. She married the love of her life, the late Rev. Gary L Hinkle Sr., on August 17, 1969, and was his anchor until his death in 2017. To this union was born 5 children. As their love grew so did their family adopting 3 more children, as well as fostering many more children. Virginia worked for Mercy Hospital (formerly St. Edwards Mercy Medical Center) managing the supplies for over 40 years.

Over the years, Virginia served as a Sunday School teacher, and as the youth choir director. As much as her health allowed, Virginia Hinkle remained active in the choir, bereavement/helps ministry, CRC club, and the Mission ministry. Virginia Hinkle was one of the founders of the Mercy OutReach Center where until her death, she served as President. She faithfully served alongside her husband as the first lady of the Saint James Missionary Baptist church for over 35 years. As the first Lady, she served as a mentor to other women as they stepped into their role as Minister’s wives. As a child, Virginia Hinkle has always battled various illnesses to which she endured acknowledging God as her strength. If you asked her what her favorite song was she would say: “May the work I’ve done speak for me”. On Thursday, while at the hospital with Virginia waiting to take her to the house, she stated, “I am ready to go home.” At that time we did not realize she was speaking of her heavenly home.

Virginia Hinkle was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Gary L Hinkle Sr., her mother Lucky May, father Felix May Sr., and brother Felix May Jr.

She is survived by 8 children: Gary Hinkle Jr. of Bryant, AR, Ann Glover (Alan), Jennifer Hinkle, Shawn Hinkle, Vuanita Hinkle, Rafiel Waldon Hinkle, Kalia Hinkle, Davion Hinkle; her grandkids, DeAdrian Hinkle(Sarah), Miranda Hinkle, Jaivin Glover(Christa), Jalea Hinkle, Gage Griffin, Val Weathersby, Ruthia Jones, Shaunta Waldon, Teagr’a Waldon, Jasmine Waldon; Keanan Glover, Jajuan Thorne, Alayna Glover, Alan J. Glover, McKenzie Christopher, Mason Hinkle, Jayden Robinson, and Macy Carthon, 6 Great grand; Emily Smithson, Adrian Hinkle, Jenesis Glover, Caison Hinkle, Maleigha Hinkle, Edyn Shepherd Glover, her siblings Anna Jones, William May (Marsha), Marilyn Thompson (Marvin-deceased) all residing in Fort Smith, as well as her Hinkle brothers and sisters, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, February 10, 2023, at Edwards Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 11th at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be 10:00 am Monday, February 13th in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.