Mary Ellen Tinsman

Mary Ellen (Jenkins) Tinsman, 87, of Hamilton, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. She was born on September 17, 1938, in Warren County, Virginia, the daughter of the late Noah Glen and Dorothy Virginia (Ralls) Jenkins, and the wife of the late Clarence Edward Tinsman.

Mary spent her life in Western Loudoun County, making her home in Hamilton, Purcellville, Middleburg, and St. Louis. She was best known in the community as a dedicated Loudoun County Public Schools bus driver for more than 40 years, faithfully transporting multiple generations of students. To those who knew her, Mary's caring nature and devotion to family were the heart of her life.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Clarence Edward Tinsman, Jr.; her infant granddaughter, Tessa Nicole Woodyard; three brothers; and three sisters.

Mary is survived by her brother, Glenn Jenkins, and his wife, Gloria. She leaves behind three daughters: Gloria Rouden and her husband, Tom; Nancy Woodyard and her husband, Anthony; and Hilda Cooper. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Meghan Studds and her husband, Andrew, Danielle Cooper, and Ashley Bean, as well as her four great-grandchildren, Everlee and AJ Studds, Saylor Bell, and Iris Bean, who brought her immense joy. Also cherishing her memory is Ray Cooper who held a special place in her heart.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, at Hall Funeral Home in Purcellville. A private graveside service will follow on Tuesday morning at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Upperville, Virginia, where Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband, Clarence.

In Mary's memory, the family requests that donations be made to the March of Dimes, supporting the March for Babies in honor of her granddaughter, Tessa, as an alternative to flowers. Donations may be made online at https://www.marchofdimes.org/ways-to-give/donate

Mary will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her service to her community, and the countless lives she touched along the way.