A Legacy of Faith & Resilience
The love, resilience, and unfaltering faithfulness of Frances Marlene Hinkle will live on in the memories she left behind after her death on April 27, 2026. The third and youngest child to David and Mildred Sims, Frances was born on May 3, 1946, in Athens, Alabama where she was described as the “apple of her father’s eye.” From Japan to  Nigeria Falls to the beautiful beaches of Guam and the Florida Panhandle, she witnessed it all as a military daughter. She became the lady we knew and loved through these lived experiences, but Alabama was always where her heart was. In 1963, she crossed paths with Jackie Hinkle and as teenagers on June 15, 1964, they beautifully began to embark on a 62-year journey of love. Along that journey in 1972, Jackie & Frances relocated their family to Arizona and have since lived a life devoted to serving others.

A Life of Strength
Despite losing her father and brother at an early age to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), Frances remained resolute throughout her life. The doctors didn’t take her strong faith, or iron will into consideration when they declared she wouldn’t make it to her 40s. Frances was motivated to guide her family in their daily walks with Jesus all while she battled illness for decades. A miraculous event occurred in 2001 for her family when Lisa Day, Frances’ dear friend, donated a kidney to her on her daughter’s birthday, September 5th. That gift provided 25 more years of laughter, memories, and “Roll Tide” cheers for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide.

Walking in Faith
Since her baptism at Market St. church of Christ in June 1957, Frances has been a devoted follower of Christ. She had a deep affection for her Mesa church family, whom she considered her extended family. There were many physical challenges she faced in recent years, but she overcame them all until she was summoned home by the Father. Though she has died to her physical body, she is living again in the embrace of Christ.

Frances is survived by:
·       Husband: Jackie Ellis Hinkle
·       Children: David Ellis Hinkle (Kendra) & Marsha Gay Babe (Doyle)
·       Grandchildren: Tyler Ellis Hinkle (Marbel), Jake Roberts Hinkle (Tabitha), Jacquelyn Marlene Babe, Dylan Reese Babe, and Austin Riley Babe
·       Great-Grandchildren: Zane Tyler Hinkle and Logan Kai Lynn Babe
·       Her loving companion: Sushi
·       Extended family: The many nieces & nephews who truly adored their “Aunt Frances”

Frances is preceded in death by:
·       Parents: David Albany Sims & Mildred Arthenia Sims
·       Brothers: David Glenn Sims & Gerold Wayne Sims

“Frances loved without fear, listened without passing judgment, and made an unforgettable impression on us all. Our hearts will hold her memory forever.”