Woman’s CD released after tragic death

Angie Tinker died following a horrific traffic crash but her music lives on thanks to her husband’s love and dedication.The Zebulon woman, an accomplished pianist, wanted to call her CD “In Heavenly Places.””Which is quite ironic now because that’s where she is,” noted John Tinker, her husband of 32 years.Tinker will soon release the CD his wife recorded before her death. LaMont Sudduth, a professional artist who lives in Pike County, painted the cover for the CD.John Tinker, a Zebulon resident, suffered life-threatening injuries in the same crash that killed the woman he’d been married to more than half his life.”I’m very, very blessed just to be here,” he said.Tinker, 56, continues to recover from those injuries. A walker sits near him, within ready reach during an interview at Griffin Gallery.The Tinkers were driving in Henry County just outside McDonough Jan. 4 when a Jeep Commander smashed into their Toyota Avalon.”I was life-flighted to Atlanta Medical Center. She died about two hours later,” he said.Angie Tinker, 55, worked as a special education teacher at Lamar County Primary School. She previously taught at Pike County Primary School.Angie Tinker recorded a CD with friend and professional musician Ollie Patterson of Acworth in June 2008. Releasing that CD of piano and saxophone music was on the back burner before she died because “life was busy and the economy was tightening down,” Tinker recalled.Then the fatal crash occurred, followed by John Tinker’s painful recovery. He emerged from the tragedy and hospitalization with a passion to publish his wife’s unreleased music CD.”I want people to remember the tender heart she had toward everyone. She was a lady who encouraged people,” he said.Tinker will have copies of his wife’s CD available for sale when he and LaMont Sudduth play a concert with their band Now and Then at the Safehouse in Griffin at 8 p.m. July 11. People wanting to buy a copy can call Tinker at 770-584-3540.