Elaine Carlson Hiner

The family relocated to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina in 1953, where Elaine spent most of her childhood years. While in Roanoke Rapids, she enjoyed competing on her high school’s award-winning debate team and was the only young woman on the team. She was also active in the Girl Scouts an experience she shared with her mother, Ruth and sister, Claire.

Elaine began her college education at Meredith College and later transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in English and attended graduate school. She was a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa Scholastic Honorary Fraternity at UNC-CH.

In 1968, Elaine married the love of her life, James Randall “Randy” Hiner, Sr. Together they shared 54 years of marriage until Randy’s passing in 2022. Elaine and Randy created a loving and welcoming home for their three children, five grandchildren, extended family and cherished friends.

Family was everything to Elaine and her greatest joy was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She attended countless practices, games and performances in New Bern and in Raleigh and loved holidays and celebrations when the family was together. Hosting (or attending) family dinners, afternoons at the Yacht Club, vacations at Holden Beach and countless other gatherings – always with plenty of food – were her favorite.

Elaine maintained deep friendships that spanned decades and enriched not only her life, but the lives of Randy and their children. Her commitment to and love for her friends and their love for her was remarkable and a true testament of her character. Whether doing long weekends at the coast or the mountains or playing bridge with her two long-running bridge clubs, she loved her friends dearly.

Professionally, Elaine was a well-regarded residential real estate broker for over 30 years and was considered a trusted advisor to her many clients and colleagues. She had a talent for making the people around her feel special and valued and this extended to the many people she assisted during her successful career.

Elaine is survived by her three children, Adrienne Hiner Cole (Walter) of Raleigh, James Randall Hiner, Jr. (Ali Given) of New Bern, and Lee Carlson Hiner (Dana) of New Bern; grandchildren Will Cole, Sundin Cole and Anderson Cole of Raleigh and Kennedy Hiner and Winn Hiner of New Bern. She is also survived by her sister Claire Carlson of Charleston, SC., and in-laws Lee Carlson of San Antonio, TX, John and Beth Hiner of New Bern, and

Dick and Cheryl Hiner of Lynchburg, VA. In addition to her husband, Elaine was predeceased by her parents and her brother Ed Carlson of San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kingswood Afterschool Program at Garber United Methodist Church or Religious Community Services of New Bern.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Garber United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the service.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Elaine Ruth Carlson Hiner.