Lorene Hildebran Martin, 89, of Hickory, NC , passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 4, 2024 surrounded by her immediate family after a period of declining health.
Lorene was born on August 15, 1934 to John James and Desolia Rogers Hildebran in Burke County. Lorene was employed in the hosiery mill industry for many years and then worked at Broughton Hospital in the Environmental Services Department until her retirement in 1998.
Lorene loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She could always be found reading her Bible and attending church services. She was a faithful lifelong member of Burke Chapel United Methodist Church in the George Hildebran area. Lorene was a beautiful example of being a humble servant of God whose life revolved around worship. She attended weekly church services until her health rendered her bedridden. She was a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, church treasurer, and active in all of the church’s events/functions.
Lorene was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 56 years Guy Edney Martin, her daughter Deborah M. Chapman and her sister Lela Mae Abernathy. She loved her family and was especially proud of all of her boys. She is survived by her son Tony Martin and wife Amy of Hickory , NC, her grandsons Hunter Martin and wife Kiara of Hickory, NC, Bradley Chapman and wife Michelle of Hickory, NC Jeremy Chapman and wife Julie of Greensboro, NC, great grandsons Mason Chapman and Ethan Chapman, one sister Janet Mull of Hickory, NC, two brothers Wade and Harold Hildebran of Hickory, NC and her longtime friend Cindy Morgan.
Services will be held at Burke Chapel United Methodist Church Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Burke Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.
We are so sorry Lorene passed away. We always looked forward to getting her Christmas card every year. I will cherish the card she sent us this year and keep it forever. She was a sweet woman and we all loved talking to her at Christmas time.
Lorene was a kind, sweet, Christian lady. I have many fond memories being in her home when I was young being friends with her daughter, Debbie. Prayers to her family.