Barbara Gray Hinson, 80, of Farnham, passed away on March 22, 2021. Barbara was the daughter of the late William DeBerry Gray and Katheleen Robertson Gray and was the beloved wife of William Augustus Hinson. Barbara was born and raised in the Northern Neck but she and William lived in Newport News during their working years. They returned home after retirement. Barbara was a telephone operator and customer service specialist at Verizon and was a member of Stevens Memorial Baptist Church in Newport News and a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Emmerton.
Barbara loved to garden and to cook and can and preserve. She worked and raised a family and made her house a home. Barbara was a devout Christian and also found time to volunteer and help those less fortunate. She volunteered at the Peninsula Rescue Mission while living in Newport News. She was extremely active at Stevens Memorial Baptist Church and she developed close ties with her church family there. Although Barbara accomplished much professionally and through her volunteer work she always put her family first. Barbara loved her family so dearly and they will miss her greatly.
Barbara is survived by her husband William of 61 years; her son W. Ray Hinson (Donna) of Farnham; her daughters Kathy H. Bryant (Robert) of Haynesville and Billie Jo O’Brien (Jim) of Henrico; her brother Francis B. Gray (Lucy) of Emmerton and her delightful grandchildren: James (Melissa), Jeremiah (Julie), Luke (Jessica), Sarah and Sam; and her great-grandchildren Emma and the newest one – who is due soon. Barbara was predeceased by her parents.
A funeral service for Barbara will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Welch Funeral Home Marks Chapel in Warsaw. The Reverend Dr. Jay Russ and Pastor Kenny Park will officiate. Immediately preceding the service will be a one hour walk-through visitation to which all friends and extended family are welcome. Covid-19 protocols will be in place for the safety of our community.
Pallbearers will be Timothy Gray, Martin Gray, Cliff Mullin, Jay Garner, Rusty Brown, James O’Brien, Jeremiah O’Brien, Dean Stalnaker, Jett Vanlandingham and Mark Bleackley.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you honor Barbara’s loving spirit and commitment to the Peninsula Rescue Mission by making a donation to them at 3700 Huntington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 or Jerusalem Cemetery Fund, 8800 Historyland Highway, Warsaw, VA 22572.