Florence "Tink" Hines

Tink Hines, whose birth name was Florence Agnes Bell, was born in Ray, AZ on September 18, 1930 to William Alton and Alloyious Odessa (Edwards) Bell. The youngest of three children, Tink was raised to be a tough strong tomboy and despised her birth name. She would often stick her tongue out and squinch her face when being called it for legal purposes. Due to her softball playing “skills” and running the bases like the true all-star she was, everyone began calling her “Tinkerbell”, since she floated lightly as she ran. This soon was shortened to Tink, as we all know it. A 1948 graduate of El Dorado High School, Tink met her husband, Charles Calvin Hines at the local Dairy Queen, where he worked. Everyone who has ever known Tink, knows she loves her ice cream. He knew the way to her heart was a little extra ice cream and they married after a month of dating on October 1, 1948. They moved to Malvern shortly after and had three children, Barby Howe-Rimmer (Mike) of Malvern, Melinda “Sissy” Surett (Michael) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Benny Hines.
When Tink wasn’t busy raising her children or working full-time, she was definitely playing softball or bowling. Tink and Cal observed very little activities in Malvern for youth, so they built and maintained the first softball field for the youth in the community. They soon began the first girls softball leagues. She helped teach many kids about her passion and created many memorable times. She was on several State Championship Teams and was always an imposing figure at 4’11 on the softball mound. One might think this to be a joke, but even to the mid 2000’s people would often walk up to Tink and talk about their experiences against her. She also led her Women’s Bowling team to the State Championship in 1980 beating out thousands of other teams.
Tink held many titles in life: mother, wife, sister, co-worker, but her favorite was Granny. Granny had four grandchildren, Jennifer and Katy Hines, Ashley Surett Heffron (Jared) of Salem, VA, and LeeAnn Howe Zaner (Kirk) of Hot Springs, AR. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Landon and Sarah Katherine Heffron.
In her later years, Tink was known to show up at as many kids sporting events as possible. She would shuttle lots of little girls in her extra-large Aerostar Van to and from softball and basketball games and practices. A true teacher and perfectionist, Tink would always demand you give your all in everything you do. She gave no less; therefore she expected no less from you. She would remind you of this philosophy if at any time she observed you not giving 110%.
Tink’s final job before retirement was for Mike and Sandra Bailey at Western Sizzlin’, where she was the “Salad bar lady” for well over 20 years. For some reason, even though Tink worked with vegetables every day, she didn’t eat them. Tink is famous to all who know her for her “eating habits” of consuming white bread and honey with every meal and proving a little sugar on any food makes it taste better. She claimed all the sugar she ate is what made her “so sweet”.
Tink began suffering from the early onset of dementia around 2004. She was able to fight the disease for many years and stayed active with bowling and occasional toss of a ball. In 2011, she entered Arbor Oaks Health and Rehabilitation, where she was voted Arbor Oaks Beauty Queen 2011 and was active in the Senior Olympics the last three years. She passed away peacefully at Arbor Oaks on October 29, 2014.
She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Cal; her son, Benny; her two brothers, Al and Bud Bell; and granddaughter, Amy Michelle Finley.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Bertie Hines; her partner, George Mains; a brother-in-law, Milton Hines, all of Malvern; and several nieces and nephews.
Tink held a special bond with her grand-daughter, LeeAnn, whom she opened her heart to and would always speak her mind. Sometimes this advice was a kick in the pants, but it was always accurate advice. One piece of advice rings true: “Live this life as if each day could be your last. Do what’s right and don’t be afraid to do what makes you happy”.
The family is having a celebration of Tink’s life at Atkinson Funeral Home on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 2:00 until 5:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donate to The Boys and Girls Club of Malvern, as she did. Please use Tink’s name, but please don’t put her “real name” because she wouldn’t like that.
The family wants to give special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and her Arbor Oaks Family.
Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, AR.