Esther Melinda Hinkle

Esther Melinda Hinkle (Faulkner), 83, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born on January 9, 1943, in West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Benton and Chloe Faulkner.

Esther spent much of her life as a private caretaker, a role that reflected her deeply caring and giving nature. A devoted Christian, she was a longtime member of Open-Door Baptist Church, where her faith guided her daily life. She found quiet joy in playing solitaire, tending her beloved flowers, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her garden was a special place for her, and she had a soft spot for the stray cats she welcomed, caring for them even when they tried her patience.

She is survived by her children, Dwayne Hinkle (Michelle) of Winchester, Carol Hinkle-Stultz (Brent) of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, Tina Davis (Eddie) of Winchester, and Benton Hinkle (Kayla) of Ohio; her grandchildren, Crystal Hinkle, Chassidy Hinkle, Dustin Hinkle, Bobby Albright, Thomas Hinkle, Christopher Hinkle, Bryan Pyne, Stephanie Isoline, Zachary Davis, Joshua Davis, Matthew Davis, Madilynn Hinkle, Grainger Hinkle, Jentreigh Hinkle, and Gatlin Hinkle; her great-grandchildren, Michael, Donnie, Tara, Emma, Isabelle, Brayden, Leland, Keyara, Caleb, Aleigha, Lincoln, Rylee, Rayden, and Murphy; her siblings, Margaret Coulter and Austin Faulkner; and her daughter-in-law, Pamela Hinkle.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hinkle; her son, Howard Hinkle; her parents, Benton and Chloe Faulkner; and her siblings, Gerald, Charles, Granville, and Pearl Faulkner. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of family, and her quiet kindness.