October 15, 1942 – April 13, 2020
KITTY HAWK — Ella Elizabeth “Liz” Perry Hemilright, 77, of Kitty Hawk, NC died unexpectedly Monday, April 13, 2020, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.
Born October 15, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Minnie Parker Perry and Roland Perry.
In addition to her parents, Liz was preceded in death by a brother, Rupert Perry, Sr.; a son-in-law, Wes Meekins; and her former husband, Frankie Hemilright.
She is survived by four children, John Tisdale (Judy), Heidi Meekins, Dewey Hemilright (Sara Hallas), and Chad Hemilright (Joanne); four grandchildren, Owen Meekins, Meredith Meekins, Parker Hemilright, and Josiah Tisdale; a grand fur baby, Annie Girl; and many loved nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law.
Being a native of the Outer Banks of NC, Liz loved the salt air, sand between her toes, ocean swims and nighttime breezes. She often reminisced about growing up in Nags Head at her mother’s Sea Rock Cottage Court and great memories of childhood on the Outer Banks. Her family loved listening to the many adventures especially her accounts of being in the Ash Wednesday Storm as a teenager and the happiest of times spent with family.
A 1961 graduate of Manteo High School Class, Liz retired as a USPS mail carrier having served the Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills area for over 24 years.
In the more recent years, Liz looked forward to helping her son tend the crab shedders in her backyard each spring. If she was not looking after the crabs, she was feeding and watching her backyard birds and critters which have brought her many hours of enjoyment.
Liz has touched so many lives young, old, near, and far. She will always be remembered for her amazing strength, faith in Jesus, her gracious kind heart, and huge giving spirit. Whatever was hers was yours. She was also known for her bright loving smile, sweet hugs, home-cooked meals, and delicious cakes.
Her greatest gift was to her children and family which she showed unconditional love. In 2014, Liz received one of her most treasured gifts of life being reunited with her first-born child John after 50 years.
By whatever name you have known her, whether it was Ella, Elizabeth, Liz, Miss Liz, Lizzy, Momma, Granny, or Aunt Liz, cherish her memory in your heart. Our lives are forever enriched because of her.
A service celebrating Liz’s life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wanchese Christian Academy, PO Box 201, Wanchese, NC 27981, Creative Puppet Ministries, 937B W. Kitty Hawk Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, the Wounded Warrior Project, 1990 Fordham Dr, Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC 28304, or the Beach Food Pantry, PO Box 468, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
