Betty Jean Hinkle

Jean was a proud graduate of Davis & Elkins College of Elkins, WV. She continued her education after staying home to raise her children earning three Masters degrees from Marshall University in the studies of: Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education and School Administration. Jean was a founding member of West Virginia Professional Educators and also was a lobbyist for the WV Legislature on the behalf of legislative actions to improve the lives and education of the children of WV. She was recognized by numerous professional organizations for her efforts in the classroom and community. After retiring as a principal of Chapmanville Elementary in 1989 Jean traveled extensively both domestically and internationally. Jean was a member of the First Baptist Church of Logan and then First Baptist of Duluth when she moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. She loved spending time with her family and often visited her extended family in the Eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Jean always loved people, never met a stranger, and this remained true when Jean’s limitations changed and she moved to the Heritage of Lowman to be near family. At the Heritage Jean made many friends and was well loved and cared for by the staff.

Surviving are her son, Greg Hinkle (Delana) of Irmo; daughter, Maressa Cobb of Austin, TX; stepdaughter, Bobbi Ruddle of Wilmington, NC; grandsons, Nathan Hinkle (Kit) and Ethan Hinkle (Rachel), both of Greenville, SC; great-grandson, Hunter Hinkle; and sister, Carolyn Tingler of Circleville, WV.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Wayne Eugene Hinkle; her second husband, David Ruddle; and siblings, William Johnston, Odell Johnston and Eva Gail Gum.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Logan, WV.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.