Categories: Breaking NewsElizabethton, TNNews

Community Mourns Beloved Neighbor Ida Hinkle at 93

Community members gathered to honor the memory of Ida Hinkle with flowers and cards.

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News Summary

The community of Hampton, Tennessee, is grieving the loss of Ida Hinkle, 93, known for her kindness and service. A devoted family member and neighbor, she made lasting connections through her warmth and dedication to helping others. Her legacy of love and vigilance will forever be remembered by the many lives she touched.

Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Neighbor Ida Hinkle at 93

Hampton, Tennessee – February 4, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that the community of Hampton remembers one of its most cherished residents, Ida Hinkle, who passed away at the age of 93. Ida was a beacon of warmth and kindness, known for her friendly greetings and her inviting smile, always asking her friends, “How are you, ole buddy?”

A Life of Service

Ida dedicated an impressive 48 years of her life working at the Farm Service Agency in Elizabethton, where her legacy of kindness truly shone through. She was the person everyone turned to during times of need, whether it was mowing the lawn for a neighbor or running errands for those who couldn’t get out. Her willingness to lend a hand made her a beloved figure in the community, and her caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Family and Memories

Ida’s family was at the center of her life. She had a son, Tim, and a daughter, Tamara, who will carry on her spirit of love and generosity. Among her most treasured possessions was her green 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier—a gift from Tim. Before that, she drove a 1988 Chrysler, which held special memories as a cherished gift from her late husband, James “Buster” Hinkle. They were happily married for 46 years until his passing in 1994.

The Charm of a Headrag

Ida was also known for her signature headrag, a practical choice that complemented her thick hair and offered her comfort. This fashionable choice added to her distinctive style, further endearing her to those around her. But more than her appearance, it was her larger-than-life personality and vibrant spirit that truly captured the hearts of the community.

Deep Roots and Spiritual Journey

Growing up as one of 11 siblings, Ida came from a large, loving family. Her father, who grew up in a family of 15, owned a farm in Illinois, where she spent her childhood. After completing high school, rather than pursuing a scholarship to the University of Illinois, Ida made the decision to move to Hampton, Tennessee, where her life would truly begin.

In her young adulthood, she met and married Buster, and the two built a life rich in faith and community connections. While she was raised in the Methodist tradition, she later embraced the Baptist faith, a transition attributed to her father’s teachings about the Bible and a memorable encounter with a man who gave New Testaments for memorized verses. Ida dedicated her life to God, choosing to live simply by the principle of “living for the Lord and not having a proud look.”

A Guardian Angel in the Neighborhood

Ida was affectionately nicknamed “Barney Fife” for her uncanny ability to keep a watchful eye over her neighborhood. If something went amiss, Ida was quick to investigate and ensure the safety of her friends and neighbors. Her vigilance and concern for others made her a cherished figure in the community.

A Lasting Legacy

In the years leading up to her passing, Ida made it a ritual to send out heartfelt cards and notes just to say hello and check in on her friends. Even in her later years, she remained a vibrant part of the community fabric, always reaching out and lifting others’ spirits.

As her friends and family gather to mourn her passing, they also celebrate a life well-lived—a life marked by service, love, and an unwavering commitment to spreading joy. Ida Hinkle may be gone, but her memory and the lessons of kindness and community will live on in the hearts of those she touched.