Lillie Ellen Hining

Lillie Ellen Hining was born March 27, 2006. From the beginning, she was a bright, funny and outspoken child that loved to explore new places and things. She was always up for an adventure, whether it be snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking or fishing. Although a picky eater, she had a particular love of venison and would amaze us with her ability to only hunt once or twice a year, but always get a deer. She loved to travel and learn about different cultures along the way. Lillie always tried to catch (and snuggle) frogs, lizards, salamanders, and even snakes (the Ring-necked snakes around our house knew her all too well). Her love for video games got her in trouble; she played loudly and often too late at night. She became fascinated by tornados at an early age so when Twisters came out, to say she was excited would be an understatement. She loved exploring abandoned man-made structures (Urbex) which sometimes put our family in some “interesting” locations. Lillie liked roller coasters, but Universal’s Velocicoaster stood above all others, to the point of inspiring a surprise ankle tattoo. She was an amazing artist, in any medium she worked with, be it sketching, clay, fiber, digital, and even Legos. She pushed us as a family to get out of our comfort zones and do things we would have never done otherwise, and for that we will always be grateful. After graduating from Watauga High School, Lillie had just begun to flourish with her newfound independence as a freshman at UNC Charlotte when she died in a car accident on September 14, 2024. She was so much more than what this obituary holds, and her memory will live on forever.

Lillie is survived by her parents, Kevin and Staci Hining and brother, Miller, of Fleetwood, NC; her grandparents, Greg and Luellen Hining of West Jefferson, NC, and Sandra Scott of Boomer, NC, and her cousin, Morghan Bass, of Charlotte, NC. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Doug Scott of Boomer, NC, and aunt Lori Scott of Charlotte, NC. If so inclined, donations may be made to the Watauga Humane Society where Lillie could often be found visiting the cat rooms and trying to persuade us to get just one more cat.

No services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be with the family.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com