Barbara Jean Hinkle age 70, of Whitesburg Hollow, Barbourville, was born on October 27, 1943 at Boone Height in Knox County, Kentucky. She was a daughter of the late Dee Townsley and Mary Newman Townsley. Mrs. Hinkle died Sunday, January 12, 2014 at her home. She was a member of the Christian Life Fellowship Church in Barbourville and worked for Tremco for thirty four years before retiring. On September 24, 1966, she united in marriage to Ernest Hinkle and to this union a beloved daughter was born. Along with her parents, Mrs. Hinkle was preceded in death by; two brothers; Ed Mills and Lloyd Townsley.

Mrs. Hinkle is survived by her dear husband, Ernest, of Whitesburg Hollow, Barbourville; her daughter; Michelle Denise Bruce and husband, Lonnie Bruce Jr. of Stephen Trace, Barbourville; her grandchildren; Megan McDonald, Christian Bruce, Micha McDonald, Conner Bruce, Noah Bruce and Mason Bruce; her sister; Vivian Smith of Boone Height; and her brother; Frank Townsley and wife, Loraine.

Funeral Services for Barbara Jean Hinkle will be conducted at the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 2:00 pm, with Rev. David Shelton and Pastor Shane Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Barbourville Cemetery, with Jeff Townsley, Pat Smith, Tony Mills, Edward Wright, Trever Bennett, Jamie Hinkle and Bradley Smith serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Employees of Tru-Seal; Employees of the Hospice of the Bluegrass and the Knox County Home Health Employees. Friends will be received at the Hopper Funeral Home, Tuesday after 6:00 pm and Wednesday after 10:00 am until the funeral hour at 2:00 pm. Hopper Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.