Harriet Carson Hines

Harriet Carson Hines passed away on February 8, 2026, rejoining her beloved husband, Paul, after a thirty-year pause in their love story.

Together, Harriet and Paul raised two children into loving, responsible adults: Elizabeth “Beth” Darden, married to Thomas Darden Jr., and Paul “Carson” Hines, soon to wed Ayano Iori. Harriet’s greatest joy was her family, and she poured herself fully into every role she held—wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Harriet introduced her husband and children to her deep love of the outdoors. She led family adventures through the Appalachian Mountains, hiking, camping, chasing waterfalls, and closing evenings with s’mores and card games. These trips shaped not just memories, but values and a reverence for nature.

While Harriet was a devoted mother, she was a perfect grandmother to Chip, Lilly, and Chase Darden, and Kota Hines. In her final days, the family reflected with gratitude on her unwavering presence in their lives, her faithful attendance at ball games, her dependable support through homework and activities, and, of course, her beloved cheesecake. Her grandchildren treasure the countless hours spent learning classic games like chess and checkers, which she offered with patience and joy. As a major contributor to raising her grandchildren, Harriet instilled values of Southern grace, discipline, kindness, and a love of the natural world. She was a perpetual optimist, cheerful in disposition, and a gifted storyteller.

Harriet was born on February 25, 1950, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to Joseph “Joe” and Elizabeth “Lib” Carson. She was the middle child among her siblings, Laura Giles, Betty Hutchins, Joanne Abrams, and Joe Carson, who affectionately referred to her as “Donnie”. An avid Girl Scout, she embraced adventure early and never lost the sense of wonder, love of the outdoors, or strong work ethic her family instilled.

She attended North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she met the curly-blond-haired, blue-eyed love of her life, a young man from the boating community of Rescue, Virginia. Rooted in the mountains but drawn to the coast, Harriet and Paul began their life together and settled into their forever home in Smithfield.

Harriet was an English teacher at Smithfield High School. For 30 years, nearly every student who passed through SHS knew Mrs. Hines. Disciplined yet caring, she left a lasting imprint on generations of students through her love of learning.

In retirement, Harriet became involved with the Isle of Wight County Master Gardeners, where she cultivated not only plants, but friendships, knowledge, and a love for gardening, birds, and “playing in the dirt.”

Her legacy lives on through her family, her students, her garden beds, and the countless stories she told. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Little’s Funeral Home, followed by a short graveside farewell at Battery Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages planting one in her memory, and/or making a donation to the Virginia Master Gardener Association: https://www.vmga.net/donate

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com