Darlene Hinton
May 23, 1935 - June 13, 2016
Obituary
Darlene Hinton was born in Vaughn, Arkansas on May 23, 1935, and died in Seattle, Washington on June 13, 2016. Her parents were Leota Perkins Hood and Vonnie Emerson Hood. The oldest of nine children, she grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was predeceased by two brothers, Von Hood and Forrest Hood. She is survived by six siblings: Mary Drevdahl, Gaye Stein, Charlie Hood, Ivan Hood, Norman Hood, and David Hood. In 1957 she married Walter Ladson Hinton, III, whom she had met in an existentialism seminar at the university of Arkansas. They were married for 59 years and had three children: Walter Ladson Hinton IV, Devon Emerson Hinton, and Alexander Laban Hinton. Their sons married Carolee Tran, Susan Gibbs, and Nicole Cooley. There are six grandchildren: Carina, Mikaela, Kendra, Devon, Jr., Meridian, and Arcadia.
Darlene was a devoted wife and mother, and a beloved, sensitive soul. A naturally spiritual person, she sometimes voiced a connection to the Holy Virgin, although she did not identify with any organized religion. Her interests were varied. She was an expert in rare books, and had a strong and intuitive love of art as well as guitar and country music, especially Jimmie Rodgers and, later, Leonard Cohen. Her home manifested her innate sense of beauty. For several years she worked in real estate. She long had an interest in genealogy, and was the discoverer of many histories. The special meals that she prepared for family and friends were notable for their culinary quality, and for her warmth and hospitality.
After a long decline in health, she died in home hospice care amidst her family. She will be sorely missed.
Darlene had so much class , She was, a lady with
depth, quality and intellect,
I will miss my sister, always. !
Nicole, Meridian, Arcadia, and I visited Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple in Japan yesterday. We lit incense for Mom (aka “Grandma Book”) and thought of her spirit when we noticed several small frogs sitting by a pond set in a traditional Japanese rock garden. She loved frogs, gardens, and natural beauty. We miss her greatly.
To my dear friend (almost like a sister): I’ll miss you so much and will never forget the times we spent together. You were always there when I needed you.
Love always,
Elinore
My fondest memories of grandma are when I came down to visit in Seattle when I was maybe 4 or 5. Grandma always had so many treasures to show me, whether it be old coins or bills or stamps she had in her massive collection, antique knick knacks that sparked my imagination, beanie babies, or old photo albums with pictures of my ancestors. She always helped me to feel in touch with my roots, through photos of our deceased and living relatives, and stories she had stored in her immense knowledge of family genealogy. Our tea parties were a most special memory for me, we would set up all of the beanie babies and serve them food and tea. I love you so much grandma and I miss you, but I know you’re enjoying yourself up in heaven. Love, Carina
I had many conversations with Darlene about our grandchildren. She was so proud of them and so encouraging of their love of reading and of Meridian’s guiar playing and singing. She was a very devoted mother, also. I am praying for her every day.
Darlene:
You always walked with us
When rocky paths we knew
And when your path was all uphill
Did you know we walked with you ?
We walked with you in love and spirit
Tho we were far from you
Till you reached your journey’s end
Your life on earth was through
We walk with you no longer
You don’t need us any more
Now you walk with Jesus
Who took your hand ar Heaven’s door
Now we are fraught with heartache
And we need a steady hand
To help us walk without you
And help us understand
We love you !!