Barbourville, Ky. - Lula Mae Hinkle , age 88, of Callebs Creek, Hinkle, Kentucky passed away September 3, 2024.  Lula was the daughter of Benny Liford and Edna Price Liford born to them August 13, 1936.

Lula was born and raised in Knox County, Kentucky.  As a young adult, she ventured away from her roots, living 15 years in Ohio and 30 years in Florida, before returning to her beloved mountain community where she lived until her death.  Lula was a kind and caring person.  She was of the Christian faith; a dedicated member of Dripping Springs Baptist Church for 40 years.  Lula always kept a loving and inviting home for family and friends.  She enjoyed gardening, canning, and watching game shows and soap operas.  Lula was also an avid sports fan, always routing for her favorite basketball team, the Kentucky Wildcats, and her favorite baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds.  Lula will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left behind to mourn Lula's passing are cherished grandchildren, Alicia Hinkle and Bennie Hinkle, two great-grandchildren, and sister Sue Fowler.  Lula was preceded in death by her parents Benny and Edna Liford, her husband of 62 years, Will Hinkle, son Gary Hinkle, grandchildren Shannon Hinkle, and Crystal Hinkle Deaton, and brothers Willad Liford and Charles Liford.

The Hinkle family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM.  Reverend Roger Liford will officiate assisted by Reverend Joe Jones.  Interment will follow the funeral service in the Hinkle Hilltop Cemetery, Knox County, Kentucky.  Pallbearers are Roger Liford, Jimmy Wynn, Marty Liford, Tommy Thacker, Ryan Fowler, and Charlie Engle.

The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home: Lorena, Brenda, Reid and Mr. Reese express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Lula Mae Hinkle.

Hopper Funeral Home, established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangments for Lula Mae Hinkle .