Stella Mae Clinton Tinkler, age 94, of Brownwood, Texas passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Songbird Lodge Nursing Home.   

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at 3:00 P.M. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home. 

Stella was born on February, 14, 1931, in Pecos, Texas, to Harry Clinton and Freda Estelle Durdin Clinton.  She grew up in Pecos and was a graduate of Pecos High School.  After graduation she went to Texas Women’s College for two years.  Upon returning to Pecos, she married Harvey Eckert Tinkler on June 3, 1951.   They welcomed their only son, Clinton Norman Tinkler on May 31, 1953.  He was the joy of their life and supported him in every endeavor he participated in whether it be baseball, football or basketball and even when he moved to other cities for his career.

While growing up, Stella learned to play the piano.  She was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Pecos and played the piano there until they moved to Brownwood in 1997 to be closer to their son and his family.  Once in Brownwood they joined the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and she continued to play the piano faithfully until she was 92 years old.   Stella was an accomplished and gifted pianist and organist, giving lessons in Pecos and Brownwood to many young people.   Harvey and Stella were both skilled quilters and she was also a talented artist.  Numerous quilts, baby quilts, paintings and painted gourds are enjoyed by many people around the area.  In her spare time she enjoyed playing bridge with many of her friends. 

Stella is survived by her daughter-in-law, Diane Tinkler of Brownwood; grandsons, Joshua Dee Alcorn and wife Lainey of Abilene and Jeremy Ely Alcorn and wife Ashleigh of Waco; her great grandchildren, Landyn Grace Alcorn, Asher Ely Alcorn and Dylon Layth  Alcorn.  She is also survived by her nephew, Otto Sonnenberg and wife, Georganna of Brownwood; several other nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; along with numerous friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, Harvey Tinkler; her son, C. Norman Tinkler; brothers, Harry and Robert Clinton and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the following or a charity of your choice:

First Christian Church

2411 Coggin Avenue

Brownwood, TX 76801

C. Norman and Diane Tinkler Scholarship Fund

Howard Payne University

Development Office

PO Box 2369

Brownwood, TX 76804-2369

The family would like to thank Songbird Lodge and Solaris Hospice and staff for her daily care and love for her.  And also thank you to her longtime friend, Betty.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Tinkler family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com