Mary Carolyn Hinkle
1949-2018
Mary Carolyn Hinkle stepped out of this world on Jan. 3, 2018. She departed in the same way she lived, with admirable grace and serenity. She was born in Columbia, Mississippi to Dr. Robert Roper, and Carolyn (Ross) Roper, R.N. on Sept. 27, 1949. After her graduation from Walker County High School in Jasper, Ala., Mary attended the University of Tennessee where she captivated countless spectators and TV viewers as a featured majorette for the U. of Tenn. Volunteers. She acquired both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the university and, thereafter, served as a dedicated grade school teacher in various public schools and institutions, including inner city schools in Memphis, Tenn.
When she moved to Oklahoma in the mid-nineteen eighties, she acquired her paralegal certification and was known throughout the Oklahoma City legal community as an enormously skilled and reliable professional.
She was a loving, dedicated Christian who believed the most meaningful profession of faith is the practice of a devout, humble life patterned on the teachings of Jesus. She did her best to live up to this ideal. For a time, she served as a deacon in the Santa Fe Presbyterian Church of Edmond, Ok. In addition to her church involvement, Mary was active in various charitable organizations, including the Prader-Willi Association.
Mary believed generosity, courtesy, kindness and cheerfulness are contagious and she endeavored to spread these treasures wherever she went.
As a mother and step-mother, Mary was the fiercest of protectors, the most patient of mentors, and the most virtuous of role models. She combined all these qualities with an inexhaustible, delightful sense of humor. Anyone who spent time with Mary was bound to be charmed by her radiant smile and her easy, genuine laugh.
She was a loyal attentive daughter, a generous loving sister and, in all respects, the most perfect wife.
She regarded her dear friends as personal gifts from God and she treasured them all accordingly.
When Mary was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she placed herself and those she loves in the hands of God and faced her challenges with a strength, calm, determination and joy that astounded and inspired everyone who witnessed her daily victories. All of us who had the privilege and honor of being by her side are forever strengthened and enriched by her powerful, loving example.
Mary is preceded in death by her father, Robert Roper, M.D., J.D. She is survived by her mother Carolyn Rogers, R.N. of Winston-Salem, N.C., step-mother, Martha McMullen of Birmingham, Al., brothers T.R. and Bob Roper of Birmingham, Al., sister Sara Edi Boyd of Winston-Salem, N.C., son Alan Hill of Oklahoma City, son Graham Hill of Birmingham, Al., husband Mike Hinkle of Edmond, Ok., step-son, Brent Hinkle, D.O. of Broken Arrow, Ok., step-son Russell Hinkle of Oklahoma City, step-daughter Lila Lynch of Grove, Ok., and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to express our deep gratitude to the caring, competent professionals of the O.U. Medical Center and the Stephenson Cancer Center. We are also profoundly grateful for the loving, respectful attention Mary received from Companion Care Hospice and Right At Home Health Care. To all who held Mary's hand, physically and spiritually through her courageous struggle, the family wishes to say, "Thank you and we love you."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Prader-Willi Association or Compassion International.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.