Wanneda Hinkle

Wanneda Ann Hinkle, 96, of Lottsburg, Virginia went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 14, 2026. She left her earthly life peacefully with her sons by her side. Born and raised in Rainelle, West Virginia, Wanneda spent her adult life in Sandusky, Ohio and Alexandria, Virginia before retiring to the Northern Neck of Virginia over forty years ago. She was the loving wife of Clarence Houston Hinkle until his passing in 1997. She was a devout Baptist and loved to share her faith.

Wanneda retired from J.C. Penney Department Store where she was the first female to hold a managerial position. Wanneda was also a pioneer in implementing the petite line for the company, during a time when women were given very little autonomy or opportunity. She not only loved sourcing clothing for the store, she was also an excellent seamstress. Always aware of people with needs greater than her own, Wanneda donated the money she earned doing alterations to charity. In her retirement, she stayed just as busy. She became an English as a Second Language tutor and developed deep connections with her students and their families. Wanneda deeply valued education, not only for her own family, but for others also. She was instrumental in seeking out and assisting college scholarships for immigrant children. Wanneda also loved flower gardening, reading her Bible, cooking, feeding, and caring for people.

Wanneda wanted her legacy to be one of deep, unwavering Christian faith that she passed along to her sons, children, and grandchildren. For 96 years, she exemplified Christ’s love, even through the many hardships she faced. She spent her childhood helping raise her siblings during the Great Depression. Raising six boys was not for the faint of heart, and Wanneda was anything but faint-hearted. She was tenacious, fiercely loyal, resourceful and loved her family with every fiber of her being. She would often send “Grandma Hinkle Letters” to her children and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These were very personal, deep and loving letters that spoke truth (even if it was sometimes a truth you may not have wanted to hear). She was candid, spunky and the matriarch of our family. Her dedication to the various churches she attended over the course of her life was just as deep as the dedication to her family. Wanneda sang in the choir and taught Sunday school.

Wanneda is survived by her loving sons: Darrell Hinkle (Lily), Robert Hinkle (Crystal), and John Hinkle (Rhonda); her grandchildren: Alicia, Nicole, Misty, Brandy, Dustin, Scott, Angela, Jaclyn, Robert II, Roxanne, Michael, Donna, Debbie, Andrea, Samantha, Nicholas, Hannah, Charles, David, Jordan, Kelly and Amanda; her 43 great-grandchildren; and her 26 great-great-grandchildren. Wanneda is also survived by her sisters: Glenna, Brenda, Carol, and Debbie; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who loved her very much.

Wanneda was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Dora; by her devoted husband, Clarence; and by her brothers: Junior, Lloyd, Floyd, and Danny. She was also reunited in Heaven with the three beloved sons who predeceased her: Edward Hinkle, Donald Hinkle, and Scott Hinkle. We rejoice when we think of her safely in the arms of Jesus with husband and her boys by her side as she is singing in Heaven. Her family will forever be grateful for the legacy she leaves behind and hope we all continue to make her proud.

The Hinkle family will receive friends at the Welch Funeral Home in Warsaw, Virginia, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service for Wanneda will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Welch Funeral Home Marks Chapel in Warsaw, Virginia. Her dear friend, the Reverend Kenny Park, will officiate.

Wanneda will be brought home to West Virginia and laid to rest beside her beloved husband Clarence the following week.

A service will be held at Wallace & Wallace, Rainelle at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Burial will follow at Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Wanneda did not wish to receive flowers to mark her passing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support the Christian missionary work done by Smithfield WMU, at P.O. Box 25, Heathsville, VA 22473. In the subject line please write “P.C. Headley Treasure”.