Ellery Zink

Ellery Dawn Zink, age 14, passed away at home in Brevard, North Carolina, on August 24th, 2021. Ellery was born at home on September 24th, 2006, in Decatur Georgia, to her parents, Keri and Billy Zink.
Words that come to mind when describing Ellery include ANY word synonymous with “fiery.” She was spunky. She was spicy. She was vibrant, strong, and lived life to the brim. She was involved in countless groups and activities, a testament to her athleticism, artistry, intellect, and drive.
Ellery paved the way for a new generation of inclusion by being one of the first girls to join the Boy Scouts. As in everything she did, she embraced this role to the fullest and joined her troop, Troop 4061, for a two-week backpacking excursion in New Mexico at Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch, in summer, 2021. Ellery was no stranger to “roughing it” as she grew up camping and enjoying the outdoors, holding her own with her two older brothers. She was never afraid to get muddy or bruised and was always on the go, fearlessly seeking her next adventure. She spent six summers at Rockbrook Camp for Girls; a place she considered a second home with people she considered her extended family. She was passionate about rock climbing for much of her life, and in 2021 she discovered her love for lacrosse and joined the women’s high school travel team through Asheville Empire.
Ellery had a huge heart for others, caring with her words and her actions. She was always ready to lend a hand at her church, St Philip's Episcopal, and showed incredible patience and love for babies and children. If there was a baby in the room, Ellery was sure to be hovering nearby ready to play, feed, change, hold, or rock them. From a young age, she was sensitive to anyone needing a friend or ally, protective and ready to take on the role of nurturer and defender, and always valuing and advocating for the voiceless. Ellery participated in the Women’s March in DC in 2017 as well as March for Our Lives in 2018, raising her voice for herself and her peers.
Ellery had art in her blood and enjoyed spending time crafting clay in her grandmother’s pottery studio. She expressed herself with her hair, disregarding trends and rocking the style she liked for herself while trying out a rainbow of colors on her naturally strawberry-blonde. She was also talented in the kitchen, independently baking delectable treats she shared generously with friends and family.
Ellery thrived on companionship, making everyone who knew her feel they had a special relationship. She could always be found in the thick of things, jumping to join in with the most active groups. She managed to balance a competitive spirit with cheering for everyone around her, her freckled smile always quick. Ellery fit in a tremendous amount of life in 14 years. Her brilliance is reflected in the countless lives she touched and inspired.
Ellery’s loving survivors include her parents, Billy and Keri Zink; brothers: Liam and Dylan Zink; grandparents: (preceded in death by Judith Duff), Royle Duff, Charlie, and Carolyne Zink; aunts, uncles (cousins): Angela and Michael Derby (Bryan and Lindsay Derby, Lexi and Tim Quievryn, Cullen), Camille and Tom Burwell (Keegan, McKenna, Braden), John and Erica Duff, Bryan and Marcia Zink (Asa, Finn), Barbara and Jason Ray; (Xavier, Charles, Walter)
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ellery's name may be made to:
Blue Ridge Health
220 5th Ave. East
Hendersonville, NC 28792
These funds will be allocated to support the mental health needs of our youth within the Transylvania County School System.
OR
Asheville Empire Lacrosse
PO Box 1113
Fletcher, NC 28732
@Asheville-Empire (VENMO)
These funds will be allocated for women's lacrosse scholarships