The Shadow
Lois East Hinkle
Mrs. Lois East Hinkle, age 90, of Covington, died Sunday, September 28, 2025, at LewisGale Medical Center, Salem, VA. She was the wife of Emory Clarke Hinkle, Jr. to whom she was married to for sixty years.
Mrs. Hinkle was born March 31, 1935, in Botetourt County, VA, the daughter of the late Roy Lee East and Merle Austin East. A lifetime resident of this area, she was a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1952.
While still in high school, Lois began working at the Montgomery Ward retail store in downtown Covington. Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, she held several positions including catalog department manager and store bookkeeper.
Lois was a talented pianist and organist. She served at various local churches for nearly seventy-five years before declining health forced her retirement in 2024. She also played for countless funeral and memorial services as an organist for Loving Funeral Home over her long career. Lois was a longtime and active member of Faith Baptist Church.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hinkle is survived by her son, Glenn Allen Hinkle and wife, Stephanie of Covington; a daughter, Elaina Beth Hinkle Cole and husband, Wayne of Marietta, GA; two grandchildren, Jackson Clarke Hinkle and Austin Lee Hinkle; and two great grandchildren, Sadie Lynn
Hinkle and Lillie Sage Hinkle.
A funeral service was conducted at 2:00 P.M Friday, October 3, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Price officiating. Interment followed in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jackson Hinkle, Austin Hinkle, Ron Seabolt, Doug Shires, Steve All, Daniel Seay, Dan Fey and Howard Nicely. Honorary pallbearer was Mike Wade.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Faith Baptist Church, 311 Jackson Drive, Covington, VA 24426.
Loving Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for our beloved friend and co- worker, Lois Hinkle. To view her memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
