Memoir to Bonnie Hinkle
Mrs. Bonnie Hinkle was brought into this earth on June 11, 1940 to James and Wanda Bowman in Troup, TX. Growing up, Bonnie fancied many things, such as: swimming, reading, cross-stitching, and doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles. In 1954, at age 14, Bonnie and her family moved to Japan; but returned to the U.S. in 1956. She took her high school semesters at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and her college years at Radford, Virginia. Bonnie married, becoming Bonnie Hinkle, and had four children: Gregg, Diane, Witt, and Paul. She moved back to Texas, where she received her master's degree at UT Tyler in teaching business.
After moving back to her home town of Troup in 1986, she worked hard at her different jobs: The feed store, the Chamber of Commerce, the Troup Community Development Corporation(T.C.D.C.), and on the City Council. In 1992, after the foundation of the Troup Municipal Library, Bonnie determined to work there as a volunteer.
In 1996, she became director of the library. Her first volunteer assistant was Sharon McCardell. In later years, her volunteers included Beverly Robson, Jyl Moose, and Melanie Brumit. Through her and her assistants hard work, the library grew to be a success. It was not only visited by the residents of Troup, but also from others in the surrounding areas and towns. One reason why the library was popular was that it was always a freindly enviroment. Bonnie retired from director of the library in December of 2008, handing the position over to Melanie Brumit. However, you could always see her hanging around the library, helping out with what needed assistance.
Unfortunately, Bonnie passed away on Nov. 23, 2010 at a Tyler hospital due to complications from a stroke. Services for her were held at the Cottle Funeral Home in Troup. She will be greatly missed at the library and in people's hearts. A wonderful thing about Bonnie was her loving heart. Every where she went, she took a smile with her, brightening other's lives that came in contact with her. She will be remembered by the library and others for many years to come.