Bethany Grace Kinlaw, 17, of Lumberton, NC, gained her wings and changed her address from Lumberton, NC to Heaven on Saturday, May 7, 2022. She was born in Cumberland County, NC on December 28, 2004 and, other than a brief stay in Brunswick County, NC, she resided in Lumberton, NC for most of her life.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Wadis B. Cribb.

Bethany is survived by her parents, Randy & Wendy Kinlaw; her sister, Abigail Kinlaw; her nephew, Tatum Jace Kinlaw; her brother, Justin Cummings; her grandparents, Clark & Doris Godfrey, Brenda Gray, Carolyn & Elwood Todd, and Kenny & Cynthia Kinlaw; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Bethany was an 11 ^th grade student at St. Pauls High School. She planned to pursue a career in nursing after graduation, ultimately, to become a nurse anesthetist. She enjoyed playing basketball and softball. She received her dream car, a Dodge Challenger, on July 14, 2021. She loved to drive her car; it was her baby. Bethany played piano beautifully and could play both by note or by ear. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and her close friends and she loved her boyfriend of 2½ years, Kelby Paul. She spoke recently of how he was her soulmate.

Bethany had a special, strong bond with her mother, Wendy. When she was a baby, she wanted her mom holding her all the time. She would often be on Wendy's hip while doing chores. That is how she gained the nickname "Hip Baby". The bond grew stronger each year and Bethany and Wendy were best friends as well as mother and daughter.

Bethany and her dad, Randy, enjoyed many day trips together. Recently, they took a day trip to The Streets at Southpoint Mall in Durham, NC where they enjoyed an authentic Mexican meal. (She loved Mexican food.)

Bethany and her sister, Abigail, were friends as well as sisters. They enjoyed long talks at night before bedtime. Abigail will always cherish those memories. Bethany loved holding and spoiling Tatum, Abigail's son. He made her an aunt on July 19, 2021. Wendy and Bethany were with Abigail when he was born and we will be sure he always hears about his Aunt Bethany and how much she loved him. Bethany was so proud to be an aunt to both Tatum Jace and her newest niece, Elowyn Mae Cummings, who was born on April 29, 2022.

Bethany will be missed and mourned forever. She will never be forgotten. Her impact on her family and friends will ensure her name continues to be spoken and her memory kept alive.

Fly high our beautiful butterfly, fly high!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC, with Rev. Ray Faircloth, Sr. and Rev. Adam Johnson officiating.