Bebe Avernell Hiner

**Memorial service date and time have been added**

Bebe Avernell (Neal) Hiner life’s journey ended on January 2, 2023, after a brief illness.

She was born on July 13, 1930, in Albemarle, NC, the daughter of Robert Wayne and Reba Novella (Kramer) Neal. Bebe married John William Hiner on January 29, 1955, who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Monterey High School and attended Montreat College in NC and Madison College (now JMU) where she received her BS degree. She also went to the Mayo Clinic School of Physical Medicine in Rochester, MN where she earned a certificate through the American Registry of Physical Therapists.

Bebe is best known for her long teaching career at Highland High School. Many of her students remember her unorthodox and unique methods of discipline. She believed in addressing situations immediately and rarely sent students to the office. She loved her gardens, both flowers and vegetables. She spent time in the winter organizing the layout of her summer gardens. She was quite artistic and painted gourds that she grew.

Bebe spent her later years reading (mystery novels), doing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and keeping in touch with life-long friends and family. She was most happy when she could help brighten up someone’s day.

She was a longtime member of the Monterey Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two sisters, Bobbie Neal DeFrancesco and Peggy Neal Bales.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey and wife Betty Gail (Dever) Hiner, Roger Hiner; daughter, Susan Vyule and husband, Ben; two grandchildren, Deidre Jones and husband, Ryan and Stuart Vyule and wife, Beverly; as well as three great-grandchildren Cora Mae, Rafe Benjamin, and Vance Stuart Vyule.

A graveside memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Monterey Cemetery with Pastor Chip Hill officiating.

In lieu of flowers or cards, memorial donations may be made to the Monterey Cemetery Association, c/o Nancy Sweitzer, 228 Triple Oak Lane, Hot Springs, VA 24445.