We Remember

A native of Pennsylvania, Venita Hinkle moved to the Washington area in the1930s during the Great Depression. An intelligent and creative woman, she began working as a commercial artist after only one art course at the Corcoran Gallery. In the mid-1950s, she established her own agency, Venita Hinkle and Associates.

Deeply interested in civic work, Ms Hinkle was active as a fundraiser and advisor to numerous professional and charitable organizations.

Ms. Hinkle’s warmth and wit touched all who knew her, and she was generous with her talents, whether regaling friends with popular songs on the piano and organ—by ear—or creating outrageous caricatures for their birthday cards, and she always retained a soft spot for the "underdog." Although a lifetime recipient of professional awards and accolades, she considered being "a loyal and true friend" to have been her highest achievement.

Following an extended illness, Ms. Hinkle passed away at the age of 91. She was a "character" in the best sense of the word, and her memory will be greatly treasured.

At CAMP Rehoboth, we became acquainted wih Ms. Hinkle in 1999 when friends bought her a subscription to Letters as a present. Over the years, she graced us with wonderful, hand-illustrated thank-you notes filled with kind words of support. She will be greatly missed.